Our award-winning online faculty and instructional designers have compiled this quick guide to help you get started in digital learning. Explore topics ranging from how to design a course to digital literary, among other important skills.
Video Highlights
00:00 – 00:29
There are several important skills that can help you create a successful online course.
The first is a fundamental knowledge of Instructional Design.
Effective instructional design is important for teaching no matter the modality of the course, but it’s especially important to recognize how designing an online course may differ from delivering the same content in a face-to-face course.
00:29 – 01:12
Another important skill is knowing how to motivate and inspire communication and collaboration among your students. A successful online course depends a great deal on getting your students to feel comfortable enough to communicate, engage in discussions, and collaborate with each other.
Online courses require different time management skills for meeting with students than face-to-face courses. Setting parameters for your availability is crucial so that you can be present for your students as well as protect your personal time. Be clear when students can expect to speak to you synchronously or receive a response asynchronously to avoid any confusion.
01:12 – 01:42
Having strong organizational skills can make it easier for your students to navigate and get the most out of your online course. A well-organized course will also help you monitor your students’ progress.
Strong communication skills are essential for online courses. Building trust and a good rapport with your students requires clear writing and a good sense of how communicating online is different than talking face-to-face.
01:42 – 02:06
While you don’t need to be an IT expert in order to teach online, it’s important to have a certain level of digital literacy. Teaching online requires the technical skills to build content for your course, upload and download files, incorporate available internet resources, monitor student progress, and communicate online.
02:06 – 02:24
You may also need to help students troubleshoot any issues they may have or direct them to find the help they need.
Strengthening these skills will help you to create a positive online culture that both you and students will appreciate. When teaching online, the more skills you have available to use, the more successful your course will be.
The Teaching Online Podcast
Find out the latest information and tips for online and blended learning through the Teaching Online Podcast (TOPcast). Each month, hosts Dr. Thomas Cavanagh and Dr. Kelvin Thompson discuss topics that offer insight into digital learning.