7 Things to Consider Before Teaching an Online Course by Ben Russell

Introduction

  • Online learning, also referred to as web-based learning, allows people to take credit-bearing course via the Internet on computers or even mobile devices. Increasingly, online courses are more available and popular, forcing many universities to invest in systems to offer them.
  • One reason for this trend is the growing number of education seekers and their ever-increasing need to acquire additional or fresh academic qualifications. In the present business and professional world, it is necessary to keep on adding value to one’s existing qualifications to get a better job or to become more indispensable. Technology is bringing changes and innovations so fast that it has become essential for every professional to continue learning new techniques and update existing knowledge.
  • Due to time constraints, many people do not find it convenient to attend face-to-face classes to fulfill these requirements so they look for non-traditional techniques that can offer options to learn online without having to quit their present job. Online learning is the best tool to help meet the demands of continuous learning.
  • Online training can be of two types: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous learning has the advantage of real time or live access to the instructor with immediate and direct feedback. Asynchronous learning results in delayed feedback but is economical. The choice of learning depends upon the urgency and financial background of the learner.

1. Proper Understanding of the Topic

  • Higher educational establishments should employ appropriate resources and well-trained, experienced and erudite professionals for teaching their courses. Students should receive value for the time and money they spend in order to improve themselves or the institution will eventually lose. Remember that a good teacher can help develop good scholars and together they contribute in building credibility for the organization.

2. Point-to-Point Interaction and Support

  • It is a natural tendency of human beings to lose interest if there is no continuous motivation and monitoring. This is especially true in case of education. Therefore, a higher educational establishment, which provides online learning must provide enhanced interaction, which can be delivered through live streaming sessions, forums, live chats, and virtual classrooms with lecturers to keep the learners interest alive and burning.

3. Extra Tools and Resources

  • Students should also have access to many options. For example, there should be a full package of written material. The package may include lecture notes, revision kits and access to online libraries. Also, a person should be able to use self-assessment tools for monitoring progress.

4. Benefits of the Course

  • Benefits of courses should be considered from the learners’ point of view. Courses should be oriented in such way that they fulfill desired goals of the learners, like getting jobs, promotions, and career advancement.

5. New Technology and Accessibility Features

  • With modern technology evolving continuously, online education should be more accessible. Also, the comprehension of the educational material should be continuously improved.

6. Availability with Accessible Document Formats

  • Education material should be available in structured formats like Word, Excel or Notepad, for example. Avoid tools which use fancy formats and expensive require applications as they place onerous financial demands on the students.

7. Provide simple and consistent navigation

  • Students are more favorable to websites or applications that have a simple and comfortable navigation menus that helps them easily access information. It is vital that you have a user interface that is intuitive so that students can focus on the course content rather than learning the system.

Ben Russel

  • Ben teaches students how to write a contrast essay as well as other types of essays contributing to various educational platforms including SolidEssay.com. (Disclaimer: DrDougGreen.Com does not support the purchase of completed papers for the purpose of satisfying course requirements.)
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