Teaching Online
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General Resources
An Example of Instructional Elements of an Online Course
Instructional Strategies for Online Courses (www)
Delivery Technologies Overview
32 Trends Affecting Distance Education: An Informed Foundation for Strategic Planning
Teaching Resources
Online Tools
- Listservs
- Blogs
- Websites
- Chat rooms
- Streaming audio/video
- Newsgroups
- WebCT: Web course tools (www)
- Horizon Wimba: classroom collaboration tool (www)
- XanEdu: online course packets (www)
- Questia: online library (www)
- MERLOT: Multimedia education resource for learning and online teaching (www)
How is Teaching Online Different From the Classroom?
- Separated by space/time
- More technology
- Access to learning resources
- Access to student support services
- Assessment techniques
- Types of students
- Student skills-reading, writing, self-direction
Adapting Your Curriculum for the Online Environment
- Clear & achievable objectives
- Use appropriate technology
- Reflect collaborative nature of online learning
- Organize into modules with clear deadlines
- Reduce lecture
- Focus on application and critical thinking
- Continuous dialog
- Student-centered activities
The Successful Online Learner:
• Is goal-oriented, with a strong need to pursue a graduate degree, a
serious commitment to learning and willingness to follow through with a degree
program.
• Is a self-starter with good study skills, who is well organized, does
not procrastinate and enjoys figuring out assignments independently.
• possesses strong time management skills and self-discipline and can
set aside specific times on a routine basis to participate in the course and
complete projects by deadlines instead of waiting until the end of the semester.
• Has time and energy to devote to completing a degree.
• Is comfortable working on course assignments both independently and
with electronic peers at a distance.
• Has the motivation to read, write, and participate fully in online
class activities.
• Has strong reading and writing skills. Understands that a significant
portion of distance learning material and communication happens through reading
and writing.
• Is comfortable asking instructor or peers for help or clarification
but does not need immediate feedback to keep on task.
• Enjoys working on interactive exercises and authentic assignments such
as case studies or team projects.
• Enjoys finding ways to apply the knowledge and skills they are learning to
the real world.
• Can be flexible, patient and resourceful in dealing with technology
problems.
• Has access to an up-to-date computer and a high-speed Internet connection.
• Has experience with basic computer skills and the Internet.
Distance Education Literature
DE in Forestry/Natural Resources
The Promise and Limits of Electronic Training and Education (www)
Forestry at the Fringe: Virginia’s Woodland Options Web-Based Course for Landowners (www)
General DE Info
Institutional Challenges in the Creation and Delivery of an Online Degree Program (www)