Intro to Online Teaching Part 1

This course has taught me some key principles regarding online teaching.  In Unit 1, I was introduced to the Blackboard Course and all of the tools it has to make online learning manageable. I gained a better understanding on how to post to discussion topics through the discussion board and through the course lessons by clicking the link.  Copying and pasting the question into the new discussion thread proved to be the best way I can see the question while I'm typing the answer.  Responding to the other students' posts allows me to get to know them a little better and to see the topic from a different point of view.  Communicating with the instructor and my fellow students via the course email took some getting used to.  I have my GSU emails routed to my Blackberry so I am notified when a new email arrives.  The course email requires that I log into Blackboard and check the email for each online course in which I am enrolled.  Once I started working with my group I found the discussion board, blog, and file exchange options extremely useful.  The Netiqquette information explained and reinforced how to communicate when interacting online.  It was a refreshing reminder to be a good citizen in the online community by refraining from using all caps which is the equivalent to screaming.  We were also reminded that our online interactions need to have an appropriate tone, spelling should be correct and slang should not be used.  Unit 1 also gave instructions on how to be successful in the course.  Each student e-signed a learning agreement where we promised to sign into the course at least four days a week, and participate in the discussion posts by answering the questions and responding to three other posts.  Everyone gave an account of how much experience we have taking online classes.  We are encouraged to ask questions if we need assistance and grades are posted on a regular basis so everyone knows where they stand.  Each student uploaded an Avatar of themselves, participated in a icebreaker and posted their first blog entry.
The second unit introduced us to high tech vs. high touch concepts.  This touches on a highly debated subject among some academics.  Is on ground instruction more effective than online instruction?  Without the ability to see facial expressions or hear tone, can online classes be effective in reaching to be Students had to e-sign an agreement that outlined how often we must log into the course




In Part 1 of the course, you have been introduced to Blackboard, the online learning environment, models of online learning, and factors influencing learners and teachers in online courses.  In your blog entry, reflect on what you have learned and experienced thus far in the course.  Your reflection essay should not only address your personal observations and reactions, but should also demonstrate that you have achieved the learning objectives for Part 1. 
Use the text box in the assignment tool to provide the instructions for accessing your blog (url and any other access codesNote: ALL BLOG URLS MUST BE ACTIVE FOR THIS AND ALL REMAINING ASSIGNMENTS.  Instructions for how to make URLs active:  How to make a URL link active.html 
Make sure to test your access information to make sure that it is correct, because in inaccessible blogs will be considered as posted late and will have 3 points deducted for late submission.
See the attached file for the grading form for this assignment. It will provide a checklist for you to assure that you have addressed learning objectives to be addressed in this blog.

Expectations

Learning

I have taken online classes for many reasons.  In undergrad I took online classes at the community college while FT at a University because I maxed out my financial award and could afford to take gen ed classes online.  Other times the commute was too far and online classes made the most sense.  Now, I'm a mother of two small children.  Online courses allow me to participate at times that work best for me.  For my current classes at GSU, I have to log in at least 4 times a week which is more than I remember from my other classes.  The schedule still works for me because I don't have to find childcare in order to participate in class.  I expect to work hard in this course.  It's only the first week and I think I've completed about four mini assignments already.  The creation of this blog being one.

My perception of online learning has changed over the years.  In 2004, I thought it was an easier way to complete a course without having to physically attend class. My current perception is that many (not all) online courses are filled with hours of busy work to counter many who had the same perception I had years ago. 

Teaching
I've been interested in obtaining a online teaching certificate for a few years.  At first I thought I needed a BA in education to teach online.  Once I found out that wasn't the case I began to research programs.  Most of the programs I researched required classroom instruction.  After bumping into a friend who now teaches at GSU I learned of this program.  Now I am taking courses to receive an Online Teaching Certificate.  When I saw I only needed four classes, I enrolled in two for Fall and planned to enroll in two in Spring because I figured I'd have my certificate by the summer.  Though the certificate will take longer than I expected I'm excited about the possibilities.   

My perception of online teaching is that it requires organization and timeliness.  As with teaching in person, the instructor should be knowledgeable and excited about the subject they're teaching.  Communication is important because facial expressions and vocal tone are absent.  And as our Netiquette reading indicates, it's easy for a student to send an instructors comments anywhere so proper communication is key.

Expectations
I'm interested to learn how much time and preparation goes into teaching an online class.  Is it more than what is needed for in-class instruction?  Do schools expect instructors to come with a curriculum or do they execute existing curriculum? How is your teaching evaluated? What is the job market like for those looking to teach online? These are just a few things I expect to understand before my online teaching certificate is complete.

Kris