Online education, although not new, has become a major focus for educators
around the world in recent months due to global events. However, the
definition of what this actually means has been very fluid. As well as providing
an opportunity to experience online learning as a student, this course will
examine different models of online learning and provide an opportunity for
educators to reflect on their current needs and practices. The course will then
explore the different components of an online course and examine some
online tools to facilitate those processes.
This course will examine some of those different models that have been adopted by teachers in a time
of crisis during COVID-19, explore the possibilities that are available so that teachers can make a more
reasoned plan for their teaching, and give some practical suggestions of how to make this successful.
Online Learning – Education takes place entirely online.
Flexible learning where the learner learns at their own pace
Remote Learning – strives to re-create the classroom environment as the students learns through the
computer. It has a higher level of accountability than online learning.
We don’t know for sure what education will look like in the future, but one
thing is for sure, and that is the need to adapt and evolve.
Blended Learning
One of the best strategies to personalise the experience for students is blended learning. Blended
instruction is what the teacher does with technology. Blended learning is where students use tech to
have control over path, place, and pace. The key is to focus on sound pedagogical strategies that will
help to ensure improving student learning outcomes. To learn more about blended learning, watch the
video that follows.
In online teaching, you are a “guide on the side,” not a “sage on the stage.”
Online education is a powerful, flexible medium that can offer transformative learning experiences to
your students – but it is up to you as the instructor to make that happen. Success in the face-to-face
classroom is no guarantee for success in online teaching.
The goal of the two formats is the same – to help students develop knowledge, skills, and
understanding – but what works well in the classroom may be only minimally effective online, and
vice-versa. Your first step to being a successful online instructor is to recognise that you will need to
approach it as a unique experience. You will need to unlearn some old ways of teaching before re-
learning new ways of teaching.