This week, in our Leading Edge Certification course on Online Learning, we are asked to reflect on our instructional methodologies and how those might need to change in an online or blended environment. Specifically, what skills or strategies might I need to improve or expand upon in order to best support student learning in an online or blended environment.
I think I am well suited to teach in an online environment. I enjoy the asynchronous environment, and have no trouble checking in frequently to make sure students are understanding the assignments and are completing them in a timely manner. It’s most rewarding to be able to answer questions and guide learning when students need it. I’ve always enjoyed checking in numerous times during the day to make sure all needs are met. Additionally, good teaching requires being prepared, offering multi-modal learning opportunities to meet the needs of all students. I enjoy creating different learning activities that meet student needs, using a variety of media and text. I also enjoy curating resources on a variety of subjects, so I always have a few resources on hand to offer to learners. There are so many rich resources online, that it is exciting to bring them together to create learning opportunities for students.
However, I probably will need to improve my writing skills, since that is my weakest skill. I tend to procrastinate when I need to write, so that is something I need to work on. However, over time, writing becomes easier the more it’s done. I think the most important thing to remember when writing is that facial and body expressions are non-existent in an online environment, so writing needs to be clear and explicit. It also helps to make sure writing is as concise as possible.
I look forward to teaching in an online/blended environment. I find this type of environment most rewarding, and I don’t anticipate my having any problems with the technical side of managing an online course.
