Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-online
As educators, we’re constantly adapting to new pedagogical landscapes. The shift towards online and blended learning environments has accelerated this, making it crucial for us to equip ourselves with the right skills. Coursera’s ‘Learning to Teach Online’ (LTTO) MOOC is a comprehensive resource designed to do just that. Drawing on extensive practical experience, this course offers invaluable insights into effective online teaching strategies that can be immediately applied.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, guiding participants through every facet of online pedagogy. It begins by establishing the importance of online teaching and exploring the diverse range of technologies available, from widely used social media platforms to institutional learning management systems. The course delves into the nuances of planning online learning, emphasizing a pedagogical approach over a technology-driven one. This includes crucial concepts like constructive alignment, deciding on the optimal blend of online and face-to-face delivery, fostering digital literacy in students, and understanding our own motivations for teaching online.
Furthermore, ‘Learning to Teach Online’ provides practical advice on designing engaging online learning activities, helping educators select appropriate technologies to support specific learning goals. The modules on assessment strategies cover both formative and summative approaches in online contexts, highlighting how technology can enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The course also champions the use of Open Educational Resources (OER), offering guidance on licensing and evaluation.
Perhaps one of the most vital aspects covered is student engagement and motivation. The course explores strategies to keep students enthralled in various online scenarios, underscoring the roles of curriculum design, activity structure, technology relevance, and time management. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement through evaluation strategies, including self-reflection, peer observations, student feedback, and the emerging field of learning analytics.
The inclusion of Q&A videos from previous iterations of the course is a particularly strong feature, addressing common learner questions and providing further clarity. While referencing past course weeks, the advice remains highly relevant and insightful.
Overall, ‘Learning to Teach Online’ is an exceptional course for any educator looking to enhance their online teaching capabilities. It balances theoretical underpinnings with practical application, making it an indispensable tool for navigating the complexities of digital education. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking to create impactful and engaging online learning experiences.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-online