Setting up an online learning experience

When you setting up an online learning experience it is important to be familiar with not only your content but also the tools you will be using to present this material.  Many people begin as face to face teachers and then move to online instruction. In a face to face course you are familiar with the content and figure out how each part will be presented.  In online learning it is similar you are familiar with the content, and need to establish the best ways for your learners to gain knowledge. As a face to face instructor you are aware of the ways that you can present information, as an online instructor you must rely on the technology. 

 Being familiar with this technology and the options for presentation are very important in order to accomplish effective instruction.  However Boettcher and Conrad warn against overwhelming yourself by identifying all the technology options available right away.  Start simple and build the course as you go and become more familiar.  (2011). 

Learners need to feel safe and secure in the learning environment.  Taking time to get to know your students and letting them get to know you helps build that safety factor.  Another important piece is outlining the course expectations in a clear precise manners o that they know completely what is expected and required throughout the course.

Also Boettcher and Conrad suggest that you outline areas or things that may not go exactly as you expected.  Clarifying how all this will work and sometimes might not work can help create a smooth and trusting learning environment (2011).

Palloff and Pratt (2011) offer suggestions for setting up an online learning experience;

• Get to know your learners – Use icebreakers, bios and visuals to get to know as much about your students as possible
• Give a good bio of yourself – Identify yourself on both a personal and professional level. 
• Build the sense of Community – Ways they can work together and connect.

Incorporating these elements will help to make setting up the online learning experience go more smoothly and produce a more effective online course.  I feel that getting to know your students through various forms while also sharing the personal side of yourself as well builds that sense of familiarity and comfort.  I also like the idea of using sense of humor and getting people to be more comfortable.  Building this sense of trust and safety will only help to know they will come to you with issues, questions and perhaps even motivate their learning. 

Resources

Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2011). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction (Updated ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Video: "Online Learning Communities" (approximate length: 44 minutes).
Dr. Rena Palloff and Dr. Keith Pratt define "Online Learning Communities" and highlight the benefits of creating a learning community for facilitators of online learning experiences.