Shari's+Learning+Philosophy+2.0

Online teaching presents unique challenges beyond the face-to-face teaching I have done in the past. I find these challenges can be overcome with patience on the part of the teacher and the student. Both parties must be actively involved in education for learning to occur. The online environment often carries an aura of impersonal isolation, and I feel it is primarily the teacher's responsibility to overcome this particular obstacle. With this in mind, I have found that, sometimes, the simplest steps can make an enormous difference to my students. For example, I make sure my students know my hours of availability, have access to my phone number, andhave not only my official school email address, but also an alternative email address in case of emergency. I make a concerted effort to work with students who are having difficulties in or out of the classroom. When possible, I extend due dates for assignments because of illness or family issues. My job is to help students learn, and to make sure their experiences are positive.

Comfort level in the online environment is determined by the instructor, as well as perceived by the student. The instructor needs to be able to be empathetic and able to communicate in the online environment. The small connections, like telling a sick student “I hope you feel better soon,” does not take much time and may mean the world to the student. The small connections also help remind students that there is a live person on the other end of the monitor, and that person wants the student to be their best.

As I continue in developing the skills of an online instructor, I am researching how to better use the online environment as a place of learning and connection. By continuing my education and research through classes and workshops, I am finding more ways to develop relationships with my students and to become proactive instead of reactive. This class has shown me tools to be more connected to my students and for them to be more connected with each other. If I can find a way to use these tools in the cookie-cutter classes I teach, I will.