E learning - Tips for New Trainers and Faculty

eLearning Tips for New Trainers and Faculty

Presented by: Dr. Greg Williams UMBC’s ISD Program Directorumbc.edu/isd

© 2015 UMBC ISD-Training Systems

8 Tips to eLearning Instruction

With eLearning being so popular now, many trainers and college faculty are learning to teach their first online class. Here are some tips I've learned over the years...


Know Your Students

• Do they need your course to graduate this semester?

• Are they working three jobs and taking care of kids?

• Are students taking your course because they love the topic?

• Have they taken online classes before?


Be Deliberate About Communication

• Have a plan about how and when you communicate with your eLearning students.

• Do you prefer email or phone calls?

• What is the expected turnaround time for a follow-up?

• Additionally, it may be a good idea to have an eLearning course FAQ.


All Students Will Not Read the Syllabus

If you want students to read your syllabi:

• Structure an assignment that forces them to read the syllabus (scavenger hunt).

• Award bonus points if students can answer questions about your syllabus.


Technology Will Fail You and Your Students

How to safeguard:

• Encourage (require?) your students to have access to a backup computer.

• Have them save everything in MS Word first before they post it.

• Have them save files online using tools such as Google Drive and others.


Check Your Course Every Day

WHY?

• Students constantly want feedback in a timely matter.

• Questions may pop up that are time sensitive and need to be addressed quickly.


Simple Is Good

• Less is more.

• Giving too much information can overwhelm and confuse.


Not All Students Know How to Take An Online Course

• Taking a course online is a completely different experience than taking a face-to-face course.

• Everybody does not use a computer every day.


Students Will “Disappear”

• Students will stop showing up or participating in the class.

• Students may never tell you why they disappeared.

• Life happens. Students may run into work, personal, or medical issues.

• Some students may stop participating just because learning online isn’t for them.


Over the years, I’ve learned that online courses are not for every student, nor are they for every instructor.

As an instructor, it is helpful to keep an open mind and realize that, just like our students, we can always learn and get better.

Some closing thoughts…


Thank you for watching. Dr. Greg Williams

UMBC’s ISD Program Directorumbc.edu/isd


E learning - Tips for New Trainers and Faculty

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