Amy Gole

Moving to online learning is not simply about transferring content - it is about transforming content.  Should ask yourself the following questions:

• What do I want the student to learn?
• What is the best way to present the content?
• How can I use the strengths of the online medium, while minimizing the negatives?
• How can I create interaction - student/content, student/student, student/instructor?
• How will I assess the success of the learning?
• What process will I use to evaluate the effectiveness of the presentation and the learning, so future courses can be improved?

The following are essential in online learning:

1. Communication - learner-centered environment

2. Problem-based learning

3.  Providing meaningful and informative feedback 

Asynchronous learning is more common and it allows the instructors to provide the students an anytime, anywhere learning environment.  Communication in this enviroment is key - if the students don't know where they are to go and what they are to do - it will not be a successful learning experience. 

There are a varity of technology tools avaialble to support online learning.  It is important for the instructor to know what the different tools are and how they can support the learning outcome.  It is also equally important to view the tools from the lens of the student and how they will interface with them  - are they making the learning experinece better or confusing the objective.