ELT7008+Instructor+Tips+Assignment+5


 * ELT7008 Instructor Tips Assignment 4 **

The challenge for online instructors is to approach teaching from a new perspective as “teaching in the cyberspace classroom requires that we move beyond traditional models of pedagogy into new practices that are more facilitative” (Palloff & Pratt, 2001, p. 20). This requires instructors to create positive online learning experiences which begins with how the content is delivered to the learners and how learners are instructed to communicate the first time they enter the e-learning environment. One key to creating a positive online learning experience is to identify learner needs and then incorporate activities to address the various learning styles (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004). “For an online facilitator, this means getting to know the learner as soon as possible through the use of profiles and introductory activities that provide insight into who the learner is not only academically but professionally and personally” (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004, p. 19). The key is to develop introductory or icebreaker activities which form a solid foundation for higher learning activities to be used later in the course. The goal is to build trust among classmates who will then rely on their peers for information and support rather than solely on the instructor (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004).

Instructors must allow enough time for each activity to take place in order to meet the needs of learners as online communication takes longer than most face-to-face classroom communications (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004). According to Conrad and Donaldson (2004) discussion activities need a minimum of a week to allow proper time for learners to interact and the activity to fully develop. The online learning environment differs from the traditional classroom in that communications are generally reactive rather than reflective which are more likely to come from a greater depth of thought (Conrad & Donaldson). Activities which are focused upon meeting the needs of learners and build a sense of community are essential elements during the first week of a course. Introductory online learning activities designed to meet course learning outcomes and at the same time actively engage learners are one way to build a sense of community and trust among classmates and the instructor as well as the content (Palloff & Pratt, 2001).

Icebreaker activities introduced to learners in the first week of the course are one option to support community building as well as develop trust and assists learners to understand the different perspectives of classmates and the instructor (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004). “In addition to being a good community-building tool, this helps everyone involved with the course understand why someone else might be coming from a particular place or take a particular position in his or her postings” (Palloff & Pratt, 2001, p. 85). A tip mentioned by Palloff and Pratt (2001) is to include activities which giver learners the ability to interact on a personal level and are collaborative in order to actively engage learners and to develop a learning community. A simple discussion forum activity targeted at novice online learners which promotes learner interaction and is tied to course learning outcomes as well as learner needs is a positive way to begin a course (Watkins, 2005).

Introductory activities are designed to set the tone of the course and to introduce the learners to each other as well as to the instructor with the ultimate goal to develop trust and a sense of community while meeting identified learning outcomes. It is critical to remind learners to review tips for success for the online learning environment and reinforce netiquette requirements which support learners to be successful (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004).