Setting Up Online Experiences

The Significance of Knowing the Technology Available to You

In online courses it is essential that learners know how to use various technologies to be successful in an online course.

It is essential to know technology available to you in order to accomplish your assignment

It is essential to know the technology available to you in order to communicate with colleagues, professors and other faculties.

Online courses require learners to use technologies such as discussion forms, assignment drop box, blogs, emails, and other various technologies

It is essential for learners to know the various technologies in order to use the resources available through the universities such as, library, writing lab and other essential resources that may be necessary for you success in the course.

The Essentials to Communicating Clear 

Expectations to Learners

Clear unambiguous guidelines about what is expected of learners and what they should expect from the instructor are significant contributions to ensuring understanding and satisfaction in online learning experiences (Durrington, Berryhill, & Swafford, 2006).

Clear expectation provides students with clear instructions and deadlines for online courses(Durrington, Berryhill, & Swafford, 2006).

Clear and explicit instruction help students better manage their time and integrate school responsibilities into their busy schedule Conrad & Donaldson, 2004).

Clear and concise instructions are vital components for the success of online learning experiences.

Clear communication is essential to keep students from being frustrated or overwhelm and withdrawing from the course.

Additional Considerations the Instructor Should Take into Account When Setting up Online Learning Experiences:

Online course come offer challenges for the learner. Therefore, the facilitator should consider the design and structure of the course to ensure that they are creative, motivating and stimulation. (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009).

The facilitator should consider the various learning styles and needs of the learner and incorporate activities that implement the various learning styles and needs.

The facilitator should also consider the abilities of the students’ as it relates to the various technologies that the learners are required to use; to ensure the leaner has some training in using the technology before he/she is required to submit an assignment using the specific technology.

After reading the resources and researching information, I have learned that it is essential for the instructor to set the tone for communicating with the learners and give them a sense of comfort when communicating with the instructor and peers. Additionally, it is essential for instruction to be clear and unambiguous in order for the learners to have a great experience with online learning.  As a facilitator it is vital that he/she consider the experiences, learning styles and abilities that learners bring into an online arena.

References:

Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2004). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). 
Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.)Boston, MA: Pearson.

Durrington, V., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190–193. Retrieved July 14, 2011, from RedOrbithttp://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/433631/strategies_for_enhancing_student_interactivity_in_an_online_environment/