When compared to traditional schools and universities, teaching online may appear desirable due to the notion of convenience and job availability. It may also appear simple to teach a class online when a course shell and syllabus have already been created for you. However, this is a one-of-a-kind learning environment that can be two-dimensional and highly interactive or flat and one-dimensional with low engagement. How you educate, what you teach, how you build an active presence, and the abilities needed to function in this digitally enhanced classroom environment are all problems involved with creating a learning environment.
Technology Adaptation
Unless there is a mandatory online session, the online classroom is open at practically any time of day or night, and students are rarely present all at once. Students must learn to adjust their technology skills in order to learn how to locate information and resources. Students must learn how to communicate and engage successfully in class, regardless of how sophisticated or restricted their computer literacy skills are. If a student is unable to function in this environment or becomes discouraged, their teacher may not be aware until the student has disengaged from the class or withdrew.
Educating or assisting
Some colleges refer to the teaching technique used by online instructors as online facilitation because it is assumed that you are facilitating a process rather than instructing students. The question is, regardless of the title, what do you want your job to be? The solution is contingent on your desired method of instruction. You will get the job done if you approach your instructional obligations as a facilitator, as long as you follow the contractual requirements. When you consider your work as a teacher, you develop a different perspective that is more in line with being an educator. A teacher is someone who interacts with their pupils, is interested about their academic progress, and gives them useful criticism.
Subject Matter Expert (SME) or Researcher (Researcher)
Instructors for online courses are often hired based on their qualifications and experience, which are then matched to specific course topics. You can add value to the learning experience by providing context to the course concepts if you are a subject matter expert for the class you are teaching. You might also have access to up-to-date and relevant scenarios, as well as challenges or problems that students might work on. You may not always be a subject matter expert for all of the course subjects as an instructor, especially if you are new to the subject being taught. If that’s the case, you’ll need to train as a researcher and acquire current resources.
Create a Learning Environment That Is Conducive to Learning
In a regular college class, you meet with students at a set time and may examine your students and the classroom environment visually. You must be able to use visual cues instead of verbal signals in an online classroom, and you must be able to make this setting fascinating and engaging. Even though adult students are naturally self-directed, this does not mean they are entirely prepared to learn, possess all of the essential abilities, or be able to identify their developmental requirements. You must discover a means to engage with those kids through digitally enhanced communication and establish authenticity and reliability in order to acquire their trust.
Model active involvement, be visibly present and attentive to students, and locate interactive tools that help to address diverse learning styles and stimulate meaningful dialogues are all successful teaching strategies for creating learning-friendly environments. The learning process has not changed as a result of technological advancements, but the environment has, and educators must adapt to this new environment. Once you’ve become used to this teaching style, you’ll find that if you’re prepared, these obstacles aren’t insurmountable, and it can be a really gratifying experience.
