EDTC 5630--The Adult Leaner

Online Teaching Strategies	Static (The way it is at this point in time)	Dynamic (The way it changes over time)
Unit in Contrast--What it is?	Today's classroom is no longer defined by four walls, a chalkboard, and scheduled meeting times.  Today's classroom knows no geographical boundaries nor are the classes restricted by schedules conveniently arranged by the dictates of a building. (Ober, Johnson, Rice & Hanson) Currently, I am researching to find activities and strategies to become a better online instructor.	Distance Learning is not a new concept and has been available for years, but only recently have advancements in computer technology brought the delivery system to the forefront.  If a course is going to be taught via the Internet, several media may be used.  One of the most common platforms is WebCT.  This platform is designed to assist the instructor in designing and teaching their class on the Internet. Web-CT comes with predesigned templates through which the most common teaching tools--such as syllabus, tests, lectures, etc. can be uploaded into the course. (Ober, Johnson, Rice & Hanson)
Unit as a System--What it's made of?	Online learning has two learning styles that are associated with this technology. This technology allows for both asynchronous and synchronous networking, meaning that students and instructors can have both instantaneous and "staggered" more reflective interaction. (Ober, Johnson, Rice & Hanson)	Schweizer recommends when designing online learning environments, always consider providing a variety of ways for your students to access information, interact with the information and then can demonstrate to you their mastery of the course outcomes.  Listed below are some suggestions for activities for you as you create your online lessons.  Remember to be creative. Discussions:  In a group setting, share your experiences with using the Internet for research projects in the classroom. Projects:  Create a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate a project. Interviews:  Invite a guest speaker to share their views with the class. Research:  Students would be require to post a bibliography for an upcoming paper they will be submitting. Critiques:  Develop a list of discussion questions to help students critique articles that have been assigned as readings. Peer reviews:  Have students exchange "papers" for peer review. View films/presentations:  Take advantage of streaming video conferencing. Design Websites, animation, presentations: Display different projects for student's viewing. There are many examples that can be used in online environments that can illustrate the wide range of opportunities for engaging all intelligences through the use of technology. (Schweizer)  As we can see from Mr. Mahfood's online class, the online environment can be exciting and motivating by using graphics and pictures, audio, video: and to my surprise, a phone number where you can call in to voice your opinions.
Unit in a System--What its environment looks like.	Creating online activities and providing online resources can be very creative and fun for the instructor. The activities and resources in your course need to represent a wide range of options for the diverse learners taking your course.  Remember to design your course around the needs of the learner; the more successful your students will be. (Moore)	Online learning will grow in popularity as access to the Internet grows.  I believe that online learning will also grow because of a changing student profiles. Students that are seeking to upgrade their skills and cannot gain access to traditional classroom courses because of work schedules and distances from the campus.  We must try to adjust our teaching styles to accommodate these students.