Teaching Tip 2: Be ‘Visible’ Online

Teaching Tip 2: Be ‘Visible’ Online

Thursday, April 16, 2020

As we are moving into an era where online teaching will take centre-stage, it is important to understand how online teaching methodologies differ from the traditional, face-to-face teaching methodologies. Trying to replicate the traditional mode will not always be effective for the online learner. Students will be required to be self-directed learners and your online teaching methodology should reflect this. As online learning can be data-intensive, it is also important that digital media components are kept simple and easily accessible to all.

Hence, there are important points to consider when taking your course online, listed alongside iKamva eTools which can be used for these purposes:

1.      Sequencing & scaffolding of learning content (Lessons eTool)

2.      Regular contact with students (Announcements)

3.      Student interaction & knowledge building (Discussion Forums & Meetings)

4.    Formative & Summative Assessments linked to each learning outcomes (Test & Quizzes, Assignments eTools)

5.  Synchronous vs Asynchronous Interaction (Discussion Forums, Chat Room, Meetings/ BigBlueButton)

As an online facilitator, it becomes even more important to maintain regular contact with students, as face-to-face classes and consultations are simply not possible.

• One way in which you can easily maintain contact with your students is through iKamva’s Announcements eTool. This tool will allow you to send Announcements directly to the students enrolled for your particular module, including relevant attachments such as readings, presentations, and links to websites, etc.
• Online facilitators are encouraged to send out weekly announcements at the beginning of each week, introducing students to topics, activities, and assessments that can be expected. This ensures that students remain motivated and that they are aware of what is expected of them.
• Aim to provide as much instruction and feedback as possible, and let your students know the best methods and times in which to contact you. 
• Tutors are also able to send Announcements to their specific groups [a tutorial group should have been created prior to sharing information]. See instructional material attached on how to send announcements and set up groups. 

Students will receive an email to their student Gmail account, to which they will be able to reply (this will bounce back to your staff email, where you may engage with the student personally if needed).

See instructional material (document) attached on Elearning Communication email on how to send announcements and set up groups. 

See video on how to get started with sending announcements:

https://youtu.be/Ev24qdTReig