Online Education Best Practices

Online Education Best Practices for Teachers

• Educate about the basics – It is a common mistake to assume that your students are familiar with the basics. They may not be so. It is important that you treat each student as a beginner. Introduce each of them to the workings of online education. Tell them clearly about web etiquette and other basics about online education. Provide them with useful links and reference points. These will let them understand what online learning is all about. 

• Explain the syllabus – Explain the curriculum in detail to them. Little knowledge about the syllabus can make the students study in a clueless fashion. Have a clear talk with them regarding the course and syllabus. 

• Test their skills – A student with below par computer skills will fare badly. It is important that you let them take a short online test. This will give you information about the minimum computer knowledge of each student. 

• Introduce your students – Try to introduce your students with each other at the very outset, even if online. It will let the students bridge the communication gap. It will not make them feel much about the absence of a face-to-face education environment. Besides, it will also help them discuss the minor study issues between themselves. 

• Encourage discussion – Set up a discussion board. Encourage the students to use the forum. It will let you know about their problems and answer those at a later time. It will help you know more about the problems that they are facing so that those can be addressed at the earliest possible.
  

Online Education Best Practices for Students 

Are you pursuing an online course? It is important that you keep these online education best practices in mind. It will help you manage your education in a better way. 

• Time management – Do you have a habit of deferring important actions for tomorrow? This has got to change. Poor time-management skills are a serious challenge for online students. After you get your syllabus and course materials, it is time to make a good study plan. This will help you finish your course with ease.

• Create a study environment – The success of your online education depends on your dedication. It is essential to have a good study environment. Constant distraction from ringing cell-phones and blaring iPods can ruin your studies like nothing else. It is important that you have a quiet study environment akin to a classroom.

• Ask for assistance – If you have any study-related doubts, you must consult your teacher. Ask for helpful links and resources. If possible, you should chat with other online students to clarify your doubts. This will make up for the absence of live interaction with peers.

You must keep these useful online education best practices in mind. 

Last Updated: 28/07/11