SETTING UP AN ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

As educators, we prepare ourselves with the essential tools for learning when teaching in a face-to-face environment. The online learning environment is no different. We as educators have to come prepared with the ability to understand and use the essential tools within the virtual learning environment. Several key factors in setting up an online experience include knowing the technology available to you, understanding how to communicate clear expectations to learners and considering any additional factors that would make setting up an online experience successful.



What is the significance of knowing the technology available to you?

Knowing the technology that is available to you allows the instructor to establish and create learning experiences that engages and challenges the students.

Basic Tools include: course template, discussion forums, grade book, blogs, audio software, Wikis, Course Management System, plagiarism software, social networking sites, and synchronous tools.

It is vital that you add tools only as you are ready. If a tip suggest a tool that is not available to you or you are not quite ready for, simply adapt the tip as makes sense to you and come back to it for further consideration the next time you are teaching the course (Boettcher, J & Conrad, R p. 58).



Why is it essential to communicate clear expectations to learners?

Communicating clear expectations is essential because it ensures that the learners understand what to expect from the instructor and what the instructor is to expect from the learners. Sometimes using a set of tools may not work well which a sometimes set up an area for possible misunderstandings. Clarifying how all this will work and sometimes might not work can help create a smooth and trusting learning environment (Boettcher, J & Conrad, R p. 55).



What additional considerations should the instructor take into account when setting up an online learning experience?

When an instructor is setting up an online course learning experience, additional considerations

or elements should be:

•Finding out who is responsible for setting up the course site
•Review text
•Prepare an online syllabus
•Weekly teaching guide
•Set up a discussion boards & rubrics
•Become familiar with library access
•Technical support
•Plan a course schedule
•Assessment plan
•Review action plan
•Ask for feedback from another instructor ((Boettcher, J & Conrad, R p.66).


A successfully launched online experience should have the look of a virtual community where learners are communicating and interacting with each other, the instructor and the resources. Many factors contribute to this success. The components that would assist me in setting up this online instruction include finding out who is responsible for the course set-up, weekly teaching guide, and tech support. As the roots of a tree help to support a growing tree, these components serve to support online instruction.



References:

Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Online Learning Communities

Online learning communities are great places where facilitators and learners are equal participants. As the educational environment has moved for some from the traditional education environment to an online environment, it is important to have an effective environment to meet the needs of the participants. There are several key questions to ask when looking at online learning communities.

How do online learning communities significantly affect both student learning and satisfaction within online courses?
Online learning communities significantly impact both student and student learning and satisfaction within an online course by bringing students together. The students along with faculty within this environment can explore content together to construct meaning and knowledge about the content.
What are the essentials elements of online community building?
The essential elements of online community building include the people, purpose, and process. The people are brought together and supported by the facilitator. The purpose is established and the process deals with the way the course is delivered. Included in this, is the ability for participants to draw information out of one another. Through this, participants can receive professional feedback from their peers. The role that the facilitator plays is important because it is essential for the learner to know how they will be supported in the learning community. Lastly knowing the rules of engagement is essential. How will learners engage? How often will learners be expected to participate? How often does the institution expect learners to participate for official purposes? Knowing the roles that each of these plays is essential to online community building

How can online learning communities be sustained?
Learning communities can be sustained by:
1) Collaborative activities between the learners
2) Continuing reflecting
3) Transformed as learners
4) Increased self-direction
5) Reinforce their sense of presence
It is the responsibility of everyone learner and facilitator to create a successful learning community.

What is the relationship between community building and effective online instruction?

The relationship between community building and online instruction is very close. The facilitator is to be involved in the process of building the community. The facilitator set the tone. It is his job to
1. Make the course easy to navigate
2. Make the classroom feel warm and inviting rather than cold and formal
3. Visit the classroom multiple times per day during the 1st 2 weeks
4. Welcome students to post a bio
5. Relate to students personally
6. Develop an ice breaker


My role as a facilitator will be very important in designing an online course. With a plan and an understanding of student learning and the essential components, I feel that I now see the larger picture in planning an online course. Futhermore, I recognize the importance of not just transferring information from a course in a traditional setting, but designing a course to have the impact that is necessary for learning.

Week One: Online Instructional Strategies

Hello Everyone,

Glad to take this journey together as we embark on this online learning ride. Looking forward to learning and sharing with you.

Karen