Online Teaching in Education, Health and Human Services

The critical success of online instructors is their ability to engage students in the learning process. With this expertise, the online experience is extremely effective. The goal of this book is to help faculty understand the processes of teaching online and learning to be student-centered, which are the first steps toward becoming a successful online instructor. Specific topics include: an introduction to online instruction, putting it together with an overview of basic ideas,...
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The critical success of online instructors is their ability to engage students in the learning process. With this expertise, the online experience is extremely effective. The goal of this book is to help faculty understand the processes of teaching online and learning to be student-centered, which are the first steps toward becoming a successful online instructor. Specific topics include: an introduction to online instruction, putting it together with an overview of basic ideas, understanding course delivery including synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid instruction, integrating online and finding yourself through technology, creating participation and social presence, developing collaborative learning and the key to online success, tips for preparation and starting the course, instructor communication, developing critical thinking, and understanding the online instructor workload. An online instructor is required to read everything, respond individually to students such as using an introductory discussion board, respond to groups of two or three that have posted information, and respond to the whole class if there are points that students should know. There are many approaches instructors must use during the online teaching experience, such as being open to differences, staying organized, practicing discipline, distinguishing between work and personal life, and being flexible. Teaching online can be time-consuming, but will be more efficient with the use of the workload strategies and the hands-on approach the authors have provided. This book will be a valuable resource for instructors who are planning a gradual transition from face-to-face or traditional teaching to the online environment.