My thoughts have been focused on online and hybrid learning more and more lately. I took a ITV, interactive television course, back in the 90s. Most of my Master’s program at Mankato State University, Mankato was online. I learned as much from being a student in these courses as I did from the courses themselves.
We are moving into the world of online learning. That road is set. But, online courses will never replace the role of a teacher. They will never replace personal interaction between students and teachers. Teachers will become guides of their student learning, but a course can not be automated. An educator needs to interact with the students and the material.
www.techlearning.com
The Tech and Learning Blog posted Five Things Students Want Their Teachers to Know about Online Learning. As educators, we need to listen to the students and recognize that they want to play an active role in their learning— and they want their teachers to listen to them.
The five pieces of advice…
- Socialization is important
There are people who feel that online learning will take away students ability and desire to interact. Students say they still need that communication with their peers. - Students Want to See Each Other
The tools to connect students visually are cheap and easy to use. A $50 webcam or a phone with video conferencing software can allow students to connect with each other. - Students Want to See Their Teacher
One of my most difficult classes in my Master’s program was one where the teacher was invisible. Even as an adult, I want to have my teacher be an active participant in my learning process. Students not only want to hear from their teacher, they want to see them. - Students Want You to Know Them
Even if student interaction with a teacher is in black and white text, the students still desire their teacher to know them. How can you individualize work to the talents of each student? - Keep it Relevant
I have never hated the question “why are we learning this?” Students need and deserve to know why they are learning course material. This carries over to online courses.