Teaching effectively online requires a shift in the mindset and approach to teaching face-to-face.
How the Online Environment Impacts the Instructor Role (PDF)
How the Online Environment Impacts the Student Role (PDF)
Consider three topics when adapting your course for online teaching:
1. Student-Centered VS Teacher-Centered
Online courses require a Student-Centered approach to teaching. Student-centered learning, also known as learner-centered, encompasses methods of teaching that shift the focus of instructions from the teacher to their students. Because online courses are asynchronous, teacher-centered learning is not possible.
Teacher-Centered: All focus is on the teacher. The teacher talks and the students listen.
- Little to no collaboration among students
- Learning is independent
- Course follows a schedule
Student-Centered: Focus is shared between teacher and student.
- Students and teachers interact equally
- Group work is encouraged
- Students direct their learning by asking questions and completing tasks independently.
2. Teaching Millennials
The "Millennial Generation" refers to the demographic of individuals born roughly between 1980-2003 (Wilson & Gerber, 2008). Millennials are the most racially and ethnically diverse group out of all other generational groupings (Keeter, 2010). Raised during a period of exponential technological development, individuals within this demographic are also considered to be the most technologically-oriented out of all other generational cohorts (i.e., Gen-Xers, Baby Boomers, etc). There is no real difference between teaching Millennials and any other generation; however, it is important to consider today’s social structures and what priorities are considered important.
Six Keys to Developing Training and Learning for Millennials (PDF)
3. Pedagogy and Andragogy
- The word “pedagogy” originally meant “to guide or teach a child.” Today it often refers to the art of teaching.
- The word “andragogy” refers to “methods or techniques used to teach adults.”