Tips for Online Teachers

• State clearly in the course description the minimum technology, software and connectivity requirements students will need to meet. Also state what other skills will be necessary (e.g. using a word processor, using a web-browser, ect.)
• Establish policies, goals and clearly defined objectives so students know what is expected of them.
• Make sure you are accessible either online at specific times in your office or by fax or telephone. Office hours should be known from the start. This is especially important at the beginning of learning periods while students become accustom to learning online.
• Become sufficiently knowledgeable of the software you are using to answer student questions and know who to call for help and answers beyond that. Provide a set of “frequently asked questions”, and determine if there are students in the course who can serve as “peer tutors”.
• Be prepared to teach students how to interact effectively online; it is a skill that must be acquired.
• Communicate feedback on course performance to students and suggestions related to the course or on-line environment in a timely manner.
• Listen to what the students are saying and respond to them, and encourage them to respond to and collaborate with each other.
• Use a variety of teaching/learning styles and techniques. Recognize that lectures translate to very long text documents on-screen and that there may be other, more effective ways of covering the same materials.
• Encourage students to collaborate with each other and, if a threaded discussion board is used, to read and comment on each others’ contributions.
• Be proactive and attempt to solve problems before they become an issue.