by  STEVE MACKAY and EDWINA ROSS

Teachers must use strategies to increase their presence in the virtual classroom, to ensure the learning environment is dynamic and engaging. A warm welcome, an introduction (using a webcam), strong interaction, and concluding each session on a high note. These simple inclusions have been measured and do improve student satisfaction and learning outcomes.

Teachers must build high levels of interactivity into each session. They should consider including all the options: learner-teacher, learner-learner, learner-content, learner-interface (e.g. to computer) and learner-individual (time out with the student doing her ‘own thing’).

To overcome the psychological and physical distance between the learners and teacher, immediacy is the key. A teacher should field questions, drive questions, use student names, provide feedback instantly and allow the odd digression into issues of personal interest.

More, here

Idea Two in CMM tomorrow

Steve Mackay and Edwina Ross

Engineering Institute of Technology