Distance Learning Tips

3 Tips For Being A Successful Distance Learning Instructor

2008-10-24T12:51:00.007-04:00

by: Kris Bickell

Are you looking to teach an online course for the first time? Or have you already taught online but are looking for some tips to help you become more effective?

The world of online learning is expanding at a rapid pace.

More courses are being offered and more students are enrolling every semester. And while teaching an online course can be done while sitting at your computer in your pajamas, being an effective online instructor requires a good deal of practice and preparation.

Of course, teaching online does take away the face to face involvement with students. Nothing can take the place of seeing a student smile after finally understanding a difficult concept.

But online teaching can be even more rewarding than on-campus teaching, when done well. What makes an effective online instructor? While good teaching involves a large number of qualities and techniques, effective online teaching centers on three main points:

1) You must be clear about your expectations!
Since students are not sitting right in front of you, it is extremely important to be very clear. Since you cannot see the students, you cannot see them sitting with a puzzled look while nodding their head in agreement.

How do you know if you are clear enough?

• Ask the students.

• Carefully evaluate the quality of the work, and how close the finished product matches the instructions.

• Have a colleague read your material before the course begins.

If student evaluations are distributed at the end of the semester, you can use the feedback to help you improve your course and teaching techniques – but keep in mind that by then you can no longer help the students learn what you want them to learn!

2) You must communicate frequently…and effectively!
Most students will expect you to be sitting at your computer whenever they send you a question by email. Of course, that is not practical, nor is it reasonable. So it is a good idea to give students a time frame in which you will respond, with 24-48 hours being typical.

And it’s not enough to just communicate frequently. You must also communicate effectively. While some students (especially new online students) will want you to “take them by the hand” through each step, if you already have clearly written instructions, you can direct them to the instructions.

Keep in mind that most students are not asking you questions to bother you – usually, they just want to make sure they are doing what you want them to do. So be understanding, even when you get questions that make you shake your head.

If you get the same questions frequently, it is a good idea to save the questions – and your responses – to create a “frequently asked questions” section.

3) You must let your personality shine through!
If students just wanted to read a book, they wouldn’t need you to read it for them. So, when teaching online, avoid taking the “easy way out” by simply posting a few readings and having students answer the questions:

• Add a little of your personality to your assignments and communications (but be careful when using humor, as it is difficult to convey online).

• Give real life examples that you have learned from being the subject matter “expert”.

• Create interesting and interactive assignments to help students really learn the material.

Good teaching, like being good at anything, takes practice.

If you are clear…if you stay in close contact with your students…and if you create an interesting learning experience, you will be the online instructor that students want to learn from!

About The Author
Kris Bickell is the director of distance learning at a small private University in Connecticut, and an experienced online instructor. He is also the owner of Hi-Speed-Internet.com, which offers tips to help you improve your computer speed. http://www.hi-speed-internet.com.

7 Strategies for Success with Distance Learning

2008-10-23T13:14:00.001-04:00

by: Rose Musyoka

Distance learning has opened doors for many students, especially for those who cannot afford to pay for the high fees of full-time courses. Although online distance learning courses have many advantages over on-campus degree courses, many factors come into play in order to make this a success for students. Due to the differences in the way that education is being delivered and acquired, adjustments and changes in approaches need to be undertaken.

1. Selecting the right distance learning school

The first element for success is to choose the right distance learning school. There are many unscrupulous “degree mills” around in the market that are only keen to sell their degrees without providing good education and ample student support. As a result, the degrees offered by these institutions may not be recognized, or may sometimes even be regarded as bogus degrees. In order to prevent this, do the proper background check on the institution you are considering with the relevant authorities to verify on their accreditation and authenticity before registering.

2. Cost-benefit analysis

Some students enroll in an online distance learning course without doing a cost benefit analysis of taking the course in the first place. It is a known fact that obtaining an education requires a hefty sum of investment. However, this should be compared with the potential additional income that can be generated from the degree that is earned. Only then can the full rewards be reaped from gaining an online degree.

3. Degree positioning to employers

There have been many cases where employers were wary of the validity of online degrees. With so many online institutions selling degrees, it is justified for employers to exercise caution. Although a distance learning degree may be 100% legitimate, it would help if you provide adequate explanation on the accreditation of the degree in order to avoid misunderstanding. By stressing that the accreditation body which accredited your institution or your program is recognized by the US Department of Education as well as CHEA, you can then eliminate any doubts that employers about the validity of your degree. You can read more information on why accreditation is important at http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/college-accreditation.html.

4. Exercise discipline, determination and time management

In the actual course of study, many students lack discipline and focus and therefore are unable to keep up with online lessons and assignments. It is very important for distance learning students to have great determination to succeed, as it is very easy to get de-motivated and distracted when you are alone with no peers. Good time management along with communication with other students would make excellent measures for success.

5. Make full use of facilities provided

Many distance learning online courses offer online lectures and email correspondence to facilitate communication with lecturers, tutors and other students. These facilities should be utilized as much as possible as it provides a link back to the education institution. Furthermore, this would be a great source of motivation in order to keep progressing through the course of study.

6. Utilize credit transfers

Most distance learning institutions allow students to transfer their credits from other courses that they had taken from other universities or colleges. This way, students will not have to repeat what they have already learnt. In order to do this, it is important for distance learning students to obtain transcripts and results from their previous schools and send them to their distance learning online university to obtain credit transfers.

7. Good utilization of technology for education

The final element for distance learning success it the ability to make full use of the conveniences that technology has to offer. Many online universities provide students with online research resources that are valuable for completing assignments or producing research papers. The cost of facilities such as virtual libraries and online books has probably been factored into the fees paid and therefore it makes good sense to utilize these facilities to the fullest.

About The Author
Rose Musyoka is a guest contributor at http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information on http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/distance-learning-online.html.

Six Reasons Why Distance Learning Makes Sense

2008-10-22T13:03:00.000-04:00

by: Rose Musyoka

More and more people are finding that knowledge really is power, and that they can accomplish their education goals online. Best of all, these online learners are finding that degrees from accredited colleges and universities are increasing their earnings potential, giving them greater responsibility in their professions, and best of all – giving them the chance to accomplish a key goal without completely interrupting their existing lives.

There are many reasons to consider distance-learning programs for your goals - Instructors who have taught distance-learning courses originating in the United States to Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Europe, report these as the top reasons distance learning makes sense:

Make a strong future from investing time today - Many of distance learning students are on assignment in foreign countries, and while working full-time on their jobs, they use their evenings and spare time to earn bachelors and masters’ degrees that have a direct impact on their future job opportunities and professional advancement.

Certify your knowledge - Many distance learning students have years of experience in their professions, and just lack of college degree that proves their knowledge. Distance learning gives these working professionals a chance to share their in-depth knowledge while at the same time earning degrees that illustrate their expertise.

Get to your educational goals on your timetable - While distance learning programs have scheduled classes online and you interact with instructors, you can move as quickly as you want through many courses. Likewise, many instructors will work with you if something comes up in your life that takes time away from school.

Pick up more marketable skills - The depth of distance learning courses has become impressive in recent years, thanks to the Internet’s performance increasing in many parts of the world – and most importantly – schools offering courses that deliver skills immediately marketable.

Start a new career - Distance learning is great for anyone looking to get into an entirely new field – one that they have been looking at for years, or one that has sparked their interest lately – in either case distance learning gives anyone the flexibility to take their careers in entirely new directions without stopping their lives in the process.

Connecting one-on-one with instructors -Learning on-line gives students the opportunity to interact with their instructors to a greater depth than is typically possible in larger, more traditional classroom settings.

Bottom Line: Distance Learning is growing by 33% a year worldwide according to market estimates from International Data Corporation and the U.S. Department of Education. Universities worldwide are working to tailor their programs for this exciting new approach to learning. Chances are there are programs available today that will get you to your educational goals.

About The Author
Rose Musyoka is the editor of http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information at http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/distance-learning-benefits.html.