Setting Up An Online Learning Experience

Since the beginning of online courses the setting up the environment is essential to getting off on the right step. The tone of the experience is set with how the accepts the initial introduction to the environment. Therefore knowing the technology that is available to you is highly important. There is a wide range of technology available to the online presenters today. Knowing the best ones to present to your learners in a given environment establishes the foundation for the learning environment. You must also know inner workings of the technology, so you don’t to jump in too deep. In this process the best CMS that set the required communication environment between the faculty to learner, learner to learner and learner to faculty is the tone setting tool. Each technology tool should have a well-founded purpose toward the learning process for the learner. The Online Teaching Survival Guide, states “Focus on the essential tools”. Using technology just because it’s there is not a good idea. It needs to fix the moment.

In preparation for student interaction, clear expectation to the learner come with the greatest of importance. Students in an online environment may not have the same options or availability to the instructor or tools outside of the set environment. Therefore the guidelines must state clearly what is expected from the instructor because this ensuring an understanding of the course. If the learner doesn’t understand the expectation their satisfaction with the course begins with a downward spiral. Therefore it is important that potential problems are stated in advance to help remove possible misunderstandings. It is important to establish a trusting learning environment (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010). The communication in an online environment must be intentional. We cannot expect the understanding to be a given. Student on the East Coast may differ from students on the West Coast. Therefore the language must be neutral in that respect, as well stating a clear picture of the expected outcome. Remember, your words are the only expression seen by the students.

In setting up the online environment the faculty or instructor must establish a presence in getting acquainted. Unlike face to face to student cannot see your facial smile, so they need to see it in your words. You must help them see that you are very interested in their well-being in the course, as well as their full life. They are not just a number on the screen, so don’t treat them like a number. In the video it was well stated that we want our learners to feel excepted. We want their help in setting up the community. If this is going to be a learner centered environment they must take the lead. The instructor must be willing and to hand off the lead to the student as well as be there to help them through any difficult time. So, patience with one’s self as well as the students will aid the student as they learn the online process. In the beginning steps have the students complete a bio or introduction. If there is a need help them by asking non-intrusive questions. Getting them to fell acceptance and welcome is the goal. Assists yourself by introducing an icebreaker, a good icebreaker will aid in the communication process by breaking down the halls of not knowing who is on the other end of the communication. Take the lead on this by exposing something about yourself that will help the student see you as being human, and not the picture perfect individual with the grading pen in your hand. The first steps into this environment are so important, so let the students know what’s coming. Re-enforce your presence and that you are there to help them through this process. Even though it is a student centered environment, the student want to see you are there with them all the way.

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

Conrad, R. & Donaldson, J.A. ( 2004). Engaging the online learner. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.