Assessing Your Skills

Teaching online is no easy feat. It requires foresight, clear organization, in-depth preparation before the class begins, re-evaluation as the course develops and continual learning. To be a successful instructor in the virtual classroom it helps to keep these fundamental issues in mind:

• Formal training in both the required technology and pedagogy specific to eLearning is fundamental.

• Delivering content in a virtual classroom is more time consuming than delivering content in a face-to-face classroom.

• You must be consistently present, because the virtual classroom does not teach itself (nor should it be like delivering a correspondence course).

• Knowledge of online-specific pedagogy and continual updating on developments in instructional technology is imperative.

• Knowledge about auditory, visual and kinesthetic learning styles is extremely helpful in designing and delivering courses (see the Univ of Illinois' "Learning Styles and the Online Environment").

• It is essential to effectively manage time, plan, set and meet deadlines.

• Most often, teaching and learning happen asynchronously.

• You must be available for weekly scheduled synchronous office hours.

• Be familiar with WVC's  Distance Education Standards and Criteria .

• Be familiar with WVC's support services for online students.

• Be familiar with CA CC State Chancellor's Office  Distance Education Guidelines .

• Stay abreast of developments by attending conferences and completing additional training both at WVC and in other places such as CA CC Chancellor's Office @ONE.