3.5 – Best Practices in E-Learning Environments

In a face-to-face setting, teachers and students can easily see each other’s faces and read body language. It’s one way we can determine if students are engaged and learning and to obtain some formative feedback on students’ comprehension. By contrast, we can’t rely on students’ facial expressions and body language to inform our online instruction, even if our students are using webcams. What are some techniques we can use in an online setting that will keep our students interested, encourage participation from all students, and help us to know they understand and can apply what they are learning?

In this section we will read an online post that looks at best practices in synchronous online teaching. It also includes techniques for monitoring student participation in the “Interactivity” section and ways to help you engage your learners. As you read, think about the practices described, and how you might use any of them in your upcoming peer microteaching activity.

Activity Details

Read: Virtual Learning Best Practices, Part One: Tips for Synchronous Virtual Training (Links to an external site.)

Part 1: Due before 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23

Part 2: Due before 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24

Once you have read the Virtual Learning Best Practices post above, go to your Module 3.5 Forum. 

Find your Collaborative Learning Group Number and then click on the discussion topic “Virtual Learning Best Practices”. 

Follow the instructions posted there