Are you new to the world of online teaching? Or perhaps a seasoned educator looking to refine your digital pedagogy? This guide, inspired by Michigan Virtual™ and the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute® (MVLRI®), offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for creating a thriving online learning environment. It’s part of a broader series of “Guides to Online Learning” designed to empower educators and support student success in the digital age.
Understanding Online Learning: Definitions and Key Concepts
The Aurora Institute (formerly the International Association for K-12 Online Learning) defines online learning as:
A structured learning environment, to enhance and expand educational opportunities, providing instruction that is teacher-led, and may be synchronous (communication in which participants interact in the same time space such as videoconferencing) or asynchronous (communication that is separated by time such as email or online discussion forums), and accessed from multiple settings (in school and/or out of school buildings).
Online learning serves many purposes, including:
- Expanding course offerings, particularly in underserved schools.
- Providing access to qualified teachers in specialized subjects.
- Offering scheduling flexibility for students with diverse needs.
- Supporting at-risk students, athletes, and those with unique circumstances.
- Enabling credit recovery and acceleration opportunities.
- Integrating technology skills into academic content.
- Providing professional development for teachers.
Alt text: Student attentively participating in an online class on their computer, showcasing the modern learning environment.
Online Teacher: “The online learning environment allows teachers to impact a much broader demographic of students… This makes the real-life experiences and connections so much more exciting and enriches the learning experiences for everyone.”
Online vs. Face-to-Face Teaching: Similarities and Differences
While the core principles of teaching remain the same, online instruction requires a unique skill set. Many educators find that teaching online enhances their overall teaching abilities.
Similarities:
- Subject matter expertise.
- Building student relationships and learning communities.
- Evaluating student performance.
- Creating supplementary resources.
- Connecting learning to the real world.
Online Teacher: “Whether the students are in front of you in a classroom or behind you in an email, they all have different personalities that you need to hone in on and work with to meet their learning needs.”
Differences:
- More individualized student contact.
- Relationship building through digital communication.
- Increased opportunities for personalized learning.
- Asynchronous communication and flexible schedules.
- Reliance on digital communication methods (email, LMS, etc.).
- Potential support from on-site mentors (depending on the program).
- Content may be pre-designed (depending on the program).
Online Teacher: “In the online classroom, I do not have the luxury of reading students’ body language to gauge their level of understanding… Instead, I have to rely almost entirely on tangible data points.”
Why Students and Teachers Choose Online Learning
Students choose online learning for various reasons, including academic interests, social-emotional well-being, and unique life circumstances. Teachers are drawn to online teaching for reasons such as:
- Life changes (family, health, relocation).
- Geographic limitations.
- Desire for a new teaching challenge.
- Opportunity to reach a wider range of students.
- Professional growth and development.
- Flexible hours and supplemental income.
Whatever the reason, success in online teaching requires specific skills and knowledge, which this guide aims to provide.
Navigating the Online Learning Environment
Understanding the potential challenges and opportunities within the online learning environment is crucial for both teachers and students.
Understanding the Online Student
- Diverse academic levels and backgrounds.
- Varying levels of technology skills and access.
- Unfamiliarity with online learning strategies.
- Lack of prior experience with their online instructors.
Online Teacher: “The asynchronous teaching and learning challenges of the online classroom can require a great deal of organization and flexibility on the behalf of the teacher.”
Addressing Challenges in the Online Environment
- Managing different student paces.
- Providing timely and effective feedback.
- Gauging student understanding and engagement.
- Maintaining student motivation and success.
By recognizing these potential challenges, online teachers can proactively implement strategies to create a positive and engaging learning experience.
Creating an Effective Online Work Environment
Managing your time and creating a productive workspace are essential for successful online teaching.
Organizing Your Physical Workspace
- Location: Choose a dedicated, quiet space separate from family life.
- Design: Minimize distractions, ensure good lighting, and prioritize ergonomics.
- Equipment: Invest in high-speed internet, antivirus software, a comfortable chair, and necessary supplies.
Alt text: Ergonomic home office setup with adjustable desk, comfortable chair, and organized accessories, promoting productivity.
Organizing Your Digital Workspace
- Clear your virtual desktop.
- Use clear file names and consistent filing systems.
- Archive emails into organized folders.
- Create shortcuts and bookmarks for frequently used resources.
- Utilize a calendar with deadlines and priorities.
Maintaining a Healthy Life Balance
- Create a manageable work schedule and stick to it.
- Prioritize tasks and learn to say “no” to non-critical activities.
- Disconnect from work during non-working hours.
- Seek support from colleagues and professional learning networks.
- Establish separate communication channels for personal and professional use.
Establishing Professional Connections
- Engage with fellow online teachers through online communities and collaborations.
- Share ideas and resources to enhance student learning.
- Actively participate in professional development opportunities.
Setting a Daily Routine and Establishing Classroom Rules
- Daily Tasks: Check email, grade work, contact students and mentors, track progress, and provide clear expectations.
- Classroom Rules: Establish clear expectations for assignment submission, communication, and online behavior.
Basic Tasks for Reaching Every Student Successfully
- Start of Course: Reach out to students, personalize communication, provide navigational support, and build relationships.
- Mid-Course: Contact students who are lagging behind, offer encouragement, provide re-navigation, and maintain a high level of support.
Responsibilities of the Online Teacher
Relationship Building
- Intentionally seek out and support interactions.
- Develop instruments to engage with students deeply.
- Utilize personalized communication and feedback.
- Humanize the instructor through welcome videos and readily available contact information.
Communication: The Key to Online Success
Effective communication is paramount in online learning, impacting student retention and performance.
Online Teacher: “Communication skills are the most important teaching skills and instrumental to becoming a successful online instructor… Communication is the make-it or break-it key to letting students know that we are real people who care about their success.”
Setting the Tone
- Welcome Letter: Include instructor contact information, office hours, course dates, requirements, and a professional picture.
- Announcements: Personalize the course, share passions, provide helpful materials, and format text effectively.
Individualized Communication (Email, Messages, Phone, and Texting)
- Follow the Four “P’s”: Personal, Polite, Positive, and Professional.
- Personal: Show interest in the student’s well-being.
- Polite: Treat others with respect, even in tense situations.
- Positive: Maintain a friendly and encouraging tone.
- Professional: Proofread, revise, and avoid slang or inappropriate language.
Alt text: Hands typing on laptop illustrating digital communication and online interaction.
Guidelines for Facilitating a Class Discussion
- Provide a model response.
- Adhere to online etiquette.
- Monitor discussions and contribute appropriately.
- Link to prior knowledge and ask clarifying questions.
- Incorporate key terms and encourage source citation.
- Challenge student thinking and provide grading rubrics.
Communication Through Social Media
- Consider using social media platforms (YouTube, Facebook) to connect with students.
- Obtain permission before using student information.
- Avoid personal messages and create classroom-specific accounts.
Engaging Students: Motivating Learners
- Tap into students’ intrinsic motivation to learn.
- Create a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Emphasize growth mindset and the value of mistakes.
Assessment: Supporting Student Growth
- Offer feedback on written work.
- Embed short quizzes.
- Set up reflective discussion boards.
Grading and Feedback: Meaningful Communication
- Provide timely and specific feedback.
- Acknowledge effort and highlight strengths.
- Offer suggestions for improvement.
- Personalize feedback to build relationships.
Use the acronym REPLY:
R Responsive – E Effective – P Positive – L Learning – Y You (Personal)
Other Types of Meaningful Feedback
- Praise and encouragement.
- Redirection and clarification.
Meeting Secondary Students’ Special Needs
504s and IEPs
- Provide accommodations and modifications as outlined in IEPs and 504 plans.
- Utilize differentiation strategies to meet individual student needs.
Using Different Modalities to Reach Students
- Present content in a variety of ways (videos, stories, songs, art).
- Activate prior knowledge and make learning connections.
- Model desired responses and provide guided practice.
- Utilize Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
Teaching Culturally Diverse Students
- Use standard and culture-neutral language.
- Clarify expectations about online learning.
- Be accessible and learn about other cultures.
- Avoid generalizations and uncover hidden biases.
Netiquette Guidelines
- Guide students in appropriate online behavior.
- Emphasize respectful communication.
- Share netiquette guidelines and enforce expectations.
Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers
- Link to copyrighted sources.
- Embed YouTube videos.
- Use copyrighted material under Fair Use guidelines.
- Cite sources properly and avoid plagiarism.
Preventing Plagiarism and Maintaining Academic Integrity
- Clarify expectations for original work.
- Develop good relationships with students.
- Emphasize learning over completion.
- Utilize proctored assessments and plagiarism detection tools.
Standards for Online Education
Course Quality
- Follow Quality Matters (QM) standards for quality assurance.
Curriculum Quality
- Align courses to state and national standards (Michigan Merit Curriculum, Common Core, AP).
Research and Resources for Online Learning Programs
- Utilize the Michigan Virtual website for research publications, clearinghouses, and resources.
- Explore national standards for quality online programs (Quality Matters, Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance).
- Leverage the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards.
By following these guidelines and continually seeking professional development, you can create a successful and rewarding online teaching experience for yourself and your students.
