Effective communication is integral to teaching in an online classroom.
Effective teaching in an online classroom requires similar skills to effective teaching in the physical classroom, such as communication and organization. Successful online teachers use various media to reach their students and create a learning experience that is interactive and engaging.
Regular Communication
Any online class must involve regular communication between teacher and students. Students sometimes find it difficult to adapt to the format because of the inherently impersonal nature of online courses. Students rarely, if ever, see a professor in person. In a regular classroom setting, students can gauge the personality and dispositions of the instructor, creating familiarity that can enhance learning. In an online setting, the professor must communicate regularly with students via e-mail, posted updates and occasional phone calls. Instructors should encourage students to contact them regularly to create a sense of familiarity and they should set aside time each week for this purpose.
Organization
It's especially important for an online teacher to be organized to keep students on-task. Many students will fail to read their syllabus or simply forget what is expected of them. Organizing a way to answer their questions can keep problems to a minimum. Using an online discussion forum or Frequently Asked Questions page can head off potential duplicate questions. Keep course-related files in a common folder and name each file clearly so students can access information easily.
Keep It Interactive
The most effective online classes use a variety of media. Students will inevitably use a textbook in their regular coursework, but using complementary websites to supplement the textbook can be helpful. Video or audio lectures can also enhance the learning experience. To keep it interactive, instructors should give assignments related to each lecture or lesson, such as quizzes, crossword puzzles, exams and writing assignments. The more creative the assignment, the more likely it is that students will find themselves engrossed in the course material.
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