Further to my article on the differences between face-to-face learning and e-Learning, here are the ten best practices to consider when implementing an online course:
1. Clear Learning Objectives – Students need to know the learning will help to advance their skills and achieve their goals. Unless the learning objectives are clear and well-communicated, they would see no value in engaging in the learning activities.
2. Know Your Audience – As with any communication, know your target audience as much as possible. Before starting the course, get to know your students. This can be done by asking them to write a brief profile about themselves.
3. Rehearse and Test Learning Tools and Systems – To avoid creating more anxiety for students, test every single platform and learning tools before launching. The same applies to your teaching. It doesn’t mean you have to rehearse word for word. However, you need to be clear what materials you will present, when you will present, how you will present, and finally what tools you will use to present your materials. The more organized you are, the more confidence you have in delivering the content. Students will feel the same as they often mirror after their instructors.
4. Structured Content – This includes assessments where the learning materials should be clear and organized. Students should not have to second guess what they need to do, as well as how they will achieve their goals and grades.
5. Be Present – Being present doesn’t mean you have to be available to students 24x7. Provide students will some guidelines on how and when you are accessible.
6. Engage Students Often – To avoid social isolation, schedule breakout sessions for students to brainstorm and exchange views appropriately. Build in some fun and meaningful learning activities. In my leadership classes last week, I had a photography challenge for each group as the topic was teamwork.
7. Provide multiple learning formats – Different students have different learning style. One size doesn’t fit all. Some may prefer print while others prefer videos and blogs. Provide the learning materials in various formats to accommodate various students’ needs.
8. Communicate More Frequently – Fear of isolation is probably one of the biggest challenges in e-Learning.
9. Be More Attentive – Unlike in the classroom, students use private chat message and clap and hand raise icons to communicate with the instructor. Acknowledge their questions and respond as timely as possible.
10. Be Yourself – No different than in the classroom. Let your personality shine by sharing relevant stories with the class including failures you had encountered in the past when learning. Students need to know that they can approach you at anytime should they fail or run into any difficulties.
References
Iyer, S. (2016, Jan 29). 6 eLearning Best Practices . Retrieved from eLearningIndustry: https://elearningindustry.com/6-elearning-best-practices
McKinnie, R. (2020, Mar 20). Best Practices for Delivering Virtual Classroom Training. Retrieved from eLearningGuild: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=2ahUKEwiQtcPC67DoAhVKu54KHXWWAnUQFjACegQIAxAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elearningguild.com%2Fshowfile.cfm%3Fid%3D3159&usg=AOvVaw1WSC20RzCf0T3LkFXpS78U
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