Abstract:

The online classroom is a potentially powerful teaching and learning arena in which new practices and new relationships can make significant contributions to learning. Instructors must be trained not only to use technology, but also to shift the ways in which they organize and deliver material. Making this shift can increase the potential for learners to take charge of their own learning process and facilitate the development of a sense of community among them. Over 6 million Americans are pursuing an online education. In constructing an online course, the instructor must take into account:
• Designing the course
• Implementing Content
• Facilitating learning
• Relevant Tests/Assignments
• Course Evaluation

A learner-centered approach acknowledges what students bring to the online classroom—their background, needs, and interests—and what they take away as relevant and meaningful outcomes. There are a variety of ways for students to collaborate online, including synchronous and asynchronous discussions and small group assignments This paper will explore how to design implement and instruct a thorough online course that engages the student and gives them a platform to learn discover and enhance their academic experience.

Online students unquestionably value the independence, self-direction, and control online education offers them. It is imperative to begin with the end in mind by developing learning goals first. Develop course content, activities, and assessments that align with your learning goals, as well as choosing the appropriate technology.

Four of the better teaching techniques that have instructors have used to become more effective in delivering instruction online are flipping, mind mapping, self-learning and instructional design. In a flipped classroom student are actually encouraged to prepare for lessons prior to class. Mind mapping is probably one of the best online teaching techniques to implement for the visual learners within a group. A mind map is a diagram of related ideas and concepts that can be used as an aid for studying, a way of organizing information or even a springboard for a writing assignment. Yet another concept to implement in an online course is that of promoting self-learning in a controlled environment. Self-learning encourages students to explore certain subject matter and decide what aspects are most important or relevant to their own interests. The concept of instructional design is becoming more and more prominent, especially in today’s online classroom. Specifically, instructional design is a teaching technique that refers to designing your classroom around your learners’ unique backgrounds and your ultimate goals.

While every institution may evaluate things a little differently, here are five basic steps in the process.
1. Think from Learners’ Perspective
2. Consider Applicability of the Ideas and Content
3. Monitor Interaction in Class
4. Review Number and Types of Queries from Learners
5. Evaluate the Course – Students and Teacher

Once these steps, have been followed, a thorough reevaluation of the course should take place. Course evaluation is a dynamic process and should be administered as often as possible. This systematic process of course design implementation and review will ultimately create progressive academic work that will enable students to learn to their potential.

Keywords:

Online Learning, Education, Teaching.