Tianda Gay

Be open to suggestions from your students.  Evaluate. Adjustments and revision aligned with the learning objectives. Love the Start-stop-continue feedback method. 

Communication with students should be frequent and continuous as to minimize the feelings of alienation. Students who do not participate in the first discussion I will need to contact individually and find out what the issue is. Issues may be technology. As instructor get students to work collaboratively  (projects, discussions).  As instructor I spark the discussion and keep a minimal presence. 

There will be challenges. Recognize those challenges (with the biggest being lack of face2face contact with students) and identify specific strategies to overcome the challenges. There are a number of online delivery models. Two given were ADDIE and Gagnes which give the events of instructions. In other words, how will instruction flow, start to finish with each lesson. These model of delivery help with developing a good course, maximizes learning impact and minimizes the workload. as with all teachers, careful not to burnout. Pace yourself, draw the line between personal and work. 

As an online instructor I need to be able to manage time, information. Be aware that students will contact me for tech support. I will need tech support as well. Developing a FATQ (Frequently Asked Technology Questions link is most helpful. Hopefully the students will use that first and be able to find what they need to do prior to seeking tech support from me. 

To be a highly effective instructor I must help students connect their learning to their personal life goals, teach and show Netiquette, and help students understand the pitfalls to avoid. I must employ the 7 principle of learning, and the students need to understand guideline that aid in their learning success. 

In wanting to remember the difference between asynchronous and synchronous (A for anytime as in A asynchronous) so that helps me and may also help the student remember the difference. This  module gave some good resource links such as Jing, Cantastia, Captivate for use of recording my course tutorial. As instructor I need to make students aware of their online learning space and how to use social media as a learning tool. 

There are some things that must be taught regardless of the learning environment. As with the traditional classroom, online setting requires we teach students academic honesty, reading and writing skills, proper way to cite resources, and  Also I found the concept , CoPm(community of practices) constructivism - interesting. But upon reading what it is about( helping students develop problem-solving skills) realized I do that all the time. Just didn't know that was what it is referred to as. 

Would I make an effective online instructor? Is online instruction for every student? These questions can be answered by taking a self-analysis by both the instructor and the students. As online instructors we are to assist the student in improving their weaknesses so they become better online learners. We are to encourage the learners and  motivate them.  Have online learners understand time management. Concerning students with special needs, there are a number of strategies to help them as well should they chose to take your course online. These strategies were provided in this module. 

EL 105 - Module 4 is packed with nuggets. Provides excellent pointers on establishing and motivating quality communication through sense of "community." Personalize communication, create a warm inviting atmosphere. Instructors to gain facilitation skills thus removing teacher  dependence giving students control over their own learning. Facilitate to guide, motive, engage. Communication is to be both academic and personal. Communication and collaboration key. One  such communication tool that is highly advised is a Rubric. Rubric is twofold> For the instructor to evaluate student  participation consistently and for the students it communicates expectations.