Abstract:

This presentation is based upon two years of teaching (8 graduate classes) of "real time/online" courses. Although I was skeptical committing to this, I realized that this is and will remain a very important tool in higher education. Before beginning the process I was sure to learn about the technological components and how to maximize the platform being used, etc. The greater question for me (someone that loves to be in the class room) was how can I create a real community, and infuse my personality into the online class. Thankfully my experiences are based on not only teaching in real time, but also there is an audio component, enabling me to present material and have class discussions, I also have the ability to break out the class into groups, there is a chat board, a white board, and also a video component.

The purpose of this presentation/paper is to present the specific practices that have been successful for me (and my students), in building a fully engaged class and learning community, ultimately appreciate this form of online teaching. I have also identified what I feel are certain advantages to this form of teaching- learning that I will share as well.

Keywords:

Online teaching, Real time online, Successful Practices.