What Makes an Online Teacher Effective?

Not every teacher is fit for the world of online education. Issues such as poor communication and unclear expectations can easily ruin a virtual course. But, some online teachers stand out from the crowd. What makes an online teacher effective? 

Student Centered Teaching

It really is common sense, but many teachers still haven't grasped the concept of 'student centered teaching'. I think that it is a human nature problem in that we all like to be listened to, especially teachers. Don't anyone be offended, because I'm a teacher and mea culpa. While I have your ear (or eyes) I find students are expressing more and more interest in life experience degrees.

—usnyu

Ability to touch on a lot of issues

It is important that online teachers should be able to reveal to students any form of tricks and errors always made concerning the topic of a lesson. This will impart confidence in their students wherever they go because they will have vast knowledge.

—Guest GILBERT CHAMBASHI

An encouraging attitude

Online teachers need to be helpful and be encouraging. So many of us are holding down jobs, raising families, taking care of the house, dealing with all sorts of issues and are completely stressed out. A helpful, encouraging teacher who "smiles" with her/his words can make all the difference on any given day when it comes to student morale.

—Guest Lea

The ability to direct a conversation

Online discussions can get too off-topic, especially when one annoying student tries to dominate the entire chat. A good online teacher is able to redirect the class and facilitate a productive discussion - even if it means standing up to the one bad apple that won't let anyone else get a word in.

—Guest Sandra Peters

Patience

In some of my online courses teachers aren't willing to help you out. But, my favorite online teacher had a ton of patience. He even spent two hours talking to me on the phone to help me work through a math problem. He didn't have to do that - but, it made a huge difference. And I passed the class!

—Guest Bobby

Technological competency

Some of the best online professors I've had are really good at figuring out how to work content management systems. I hate waiting during every class period while an inexperienced online teacher tries to figure out how to log into chat or set up a teleconference.

—Guest Melody

How to Choose an Online High School

Choosing an online high school is a challenge. Parents need to find a virtual program that offers an accredited diploma and provides academic support for students, all without breaking the bank. Asking the right questions will help you find the online high school that best meets your needs. Here are twelve of the most important questions to consider:

1. What type of online high school is this? There are four types of online high schools: private schools, public schools, charter schools, and university-sponsored schools. Being familiar with these school types will help you sort through your options.
2. Who accredits this school? An online high school that is regionally accredited will have the widest acceptance. Diplomas and credits from regionally accredited schools are generally accepted by colleges and secondary schools. Some colleges and high schools may also accept national accreditation. Keep an eye out for unaccredited and diploma mill schools – these programs will take your money, leaving you with an inferior education and a worthless diploma.
3. What curriculum is used? Your online high school should have a time-tested curriculum that meets your child’s academic needs (remedial, gifted, etc). Ask about additional programs such as special education, college prep, or advanced placement.
4. What training and qualifications do the teachers have? Be wary of online high schools that hire teachers without a college diploma or teaching experience. Teachers should be credentialed, know how to work with teenagers, and be comfortable with computers.
5. How long has this online school existed? Online schools come and go. Choosing a school that has been around for longer can help you avoid the trouble of trying to transfer schools at a later date.
6. What percent of students graduate? You can learn a lot by an online high school’s graduation track record. If a large percentage of students drop out, you may want to reconsider. Be aware that certain types of schools (such as academic recovery programs) will always have a smaller number of graduates.
7. How many students go on to college? If college is important to you, choose an online high school that sends a lot of its graduates to college. Be sure to ask about services such as college counseling, SAT preparation, and admissions essay assistance.
8. What expenses can be expected? Most private schools charge tuition by the semester. Public programs may provide classes free of charge, but require parents to pay for expenses such as computers, software, and internet connections. Ask about additional charges for curriculum, technology fees, graduation fees, and all other expenses. Also, ask about discounts, scholarships, and payment programs.
9. How many students does each teacher work with? If a teacher is assigned too many students, he may not have time for one-on-one help. Find out what the student-teacher ratio is for most classes and ask if there is a better ratio for essential subject such as math and English.
10. What additional help is available for struggling students? If your child is struggling, you need to know that help is available. Ask about tutoring and individual assistance. Is there any extra charge for additional help?
11. What distance learning format is used? Some online high schools require students to work independently and turn in assignments by email. Other programs have virtual “classrooms” that allow students to interact with teachers and peers.
12. Are any extracurricular activities offered? Find out if there are any clubs or social events available to students. Some schools offer extracurricular virtual programs that engage students and look good on a resume.

In addition to these twelve basic questions, be sure to ask about any further concerns you may have. If your child has special needs or an unusual schedule, ask how the school will be able to accommodate these issues. Taking the time to interview online high schools can be a hassle. But, enrolling your child in the best possible program is always worth it.

Choosing an Online High School

• 4 Types of Online High Schools
• Regional Accreditation
• National Accreditation

10 New Years Resolutions for Online Students

Start the New Year off right by resolving to succeed in your studies. These 10 goals can help.

1. Get organized. When you know where everything is, it’s easier to complete assignments. Start the new year by organizing your home office and finding a place for all your school materials. Having your textbooks and reference materials nearby can help, as can bookmarking essential online reference sites.

2. Stop procrastinating. Procrastination is the #1 enemy of online students. This year, post a list of the benefits of earning an online degree to remind yourself to stick with it. Then, think of some strategies to keep yourself motivated during the year.

3. Make a home office. Having a place to yourself can be a great way to help you focus on your studies. Start the year off right by designing the perfect home office in a spare bedroom or secluded space.

4. Build contacts. Building an online social life with your peers and professors can help you stay connected to your studies. The people you meet through your course may end up being great business contacts and professional references in the future.

5. Update your resume. Show off what you’ve learned from your online classes with a resume that sparkles. Use the proper resume format and be sure to use active adjectives and powerful verbs that cast your studies in the best light.

6. Save money. Everyone likes to save a few extra bucks. Find out how much distance learning costs and look for ways to cut costs. Try applying for scholarships and other types of financial aid. Before the semester begins, save on textbooks buy purchasing through online retailers and be sure to take advantage of any tax breaks that are available to students.

7. Make time for family and friends. Don’t let your distance learning become a barrier to spending quality time with those you love. Schedule quality time in advance and come up with ways to balance family and school.

8. Speed up your studies. This year, try to think of ways to get your degree faster. You may want to consider using a credit bank or applying for life experience credit.

9. Make use of technology. An up-to-date, working computer can help you make the most of your studies. This year, consider updating your computer hardware, such as your hard drive, processor, or memory. You may also want to look into purchasing basic software programs if you don’t already have them. Finally, be sure to keep your machine virus free by downloading anti-virus programs and checking your computer regularly.

10. Celebrate your successes. Find ways to reward yourself for a job well done. If you’re graduating this year, a unique graduation celebration may be the perfect conclusion to your distance studies.

Choosing the School for You

Before you enroll in online classes, take a few minutes to interview the school of your choice. Asking your questions upfront can ensure that the school is a perfect match for you. Once you’ve asked the following questions, as well as a few of your own, you’ll have a pretty good idea about whether or not you want to enroll.
1. Is this school accredited? By whom? Make sure that your school is accredited by the correct regional association. If it is not properly accredited, your degree may be rejected by the majority of employers.

2. When will it be reviewed for accreditation? If your school is not accredited, it may be in the process of scheduling a review. Check to see if accreditation is in its future.

3. How much is tuition? Are there any additional fees or hidden costs? Your tuition should be comparable to that of regular universities, perhaps slightly less. Make sure that you won’t be overcharged or stuck with mandatory fees.

4. What education and experience do your teachers have? If teachers will be grading your work or leading you in online discussions, it is important that they have the knowledge necessary to do the job. The majority of junior college teachers have at least a M.A degree in the subject they teach, and the majority of university professors have a Ph. D. in their area of expertise. Distance education teachers should have comparable experience.

5. How many students does each teacher work with? Teachers who are assigned too many students have less time to work with people who need help. Making sure your teachers are not overburdened can help you get the education you deserve.

6. What hardware is required? Most online classes require that students have access to a computer that is has the ability to run up-to-date multimedia and word processing programs. If your computer is too old, it may not work with your online program.

7. Will I need to purchase any additional software? A lot of online programs provide all the materials you need directly from their site. A few request that their students buy supplemental software on their own.

8. What degrees are offered? Not every program offers every degree. Before you enroll, make sure that your school offers the degree that you are looking for.

9. How long does it take to complete the program? Some online schools offer students the chance to complete a degree in less time. Some students are even able to finish an entire year early.

10. Can I speed ahead or take more time and work at my own pace? While some schools let students complete tasks at their own pace, others require that students participate in virtual class sessions and have specific deadlines for assignments.

11. What curriculum is used? Will I need to purchase textbooks? If you will be required to purchase textbooks, determine what their average cost will be. Books can be expensive, even hundreds of dollars per course. If you are an auditory or kinetic learner (learn best by hearing and doing, rather than by reading alone), finding a school that offers a multimedia element in their curriculum may help you master the material.

12. What if I need extra help? Some schools provide virtual “office hours” that allow students to communicate with teachers when they have additional questions or are struggling in their work. Others expect students to work independently and do not offer direct assistance.

13. How long has this school existed? The longer the school has existed, the better. A school isn’t automatically credible because it’s been around a long time, but having experience is always a plus.

14. How many students are currently enrolled? If you enroll in a new school that has very few students, you can expect to encounter quite a bit of instability.

15. How many students have graduated? A higher graduation rate demonstrates higher levels of student contentment and success.

16. How will I communicate with the school? Is it all online or is there a number I can call for help? Having a number to call or an actual location you can go to can be very helpful when you need help or are looking for answers. Most legitimate schools will give you a number you can use to reach them.

The 7 Mistakes Distance Learners Make

Navigating the distance learning world can be tricky. Online students must learn to dodge the shallow promises of disreputable schools, manage their work, and use their diplomas to their advantage. As you continue your journey through the maze of virtual learning, avoid these seven common mistakes of distance learners and save yourself some hassle:

1. Choosing the wrong school. Selecting the right school is the most significant challenge distance learners face. “Diploma mill” schools charge unsuspecting students thousands of dollars for worthless degrees, whereas credentialed, trustworthy schools are able to give their students diplomas to be proud of. Before you enroll in an online school, make sure it has the appropriate regional accreditation and do some research to find out what type of programs, resources and support will be provided. 2. Procrastinating. This problem is magnified ten-fold when students have the leisure of completing classes at their own pace. Many students never finish their degree because they lack the self-discipline and motivation to sit down and get their work done on a daily basis. If you’re prone to putting off work, set some definite goals for yourself and stick to them. Many students have found it beneficial to create a deadline for receiving their degree and set smaller monthly, weekly, and daily goals that will allow them to reach that deadline. 3. Failing to connect with their peers and professors. One of the most rewarding experiences in education is learning through collaboration. Forming meaningful relationships with your peers and professors can allow you to learn more, stay motivated, and have an outlet to express your own understanding of subject matter. Don’t let yourself miss out on the benefits of these relationships just because your classrooms are online. Stay connected through message boards, chat rooms, email, and other virtual resources. 4. Paying too much. The sad truth is that school is pricy. You’re probably not going to get your education for free, but make sure that the future rewards will outweigh the cost of the debt you accumulate now. You don’t want to find yourself making a $30,000 teacher’s salary while paying back a $100,000 student loan. (unfortunately, this case is not all that uncommon). However, an MBA from a reputable school may be worth a significant student loan in the long run. Whatever you choose, make sure you only take loans for what is absolutely neccissary and try to save in other ways. Books and supplies can often be found at significantly lower prices (or even for free) if you know where to look and most computer and software companies offer huge discounts for currently enrolled students. 5. Scaring potential employers. More and more people are recognizing the validity of online education. However, be aware that it is not completely accepted by all people. Some potential employers may see warning signs if you announce that you earned your degree through the internet. A lot of people are still ignorant of the advances online education has made in recent years and fail to recognize the difference between legitimate degrees and “diploma mill” certificates. Even if you attended a reputable school, avoid calling attention to the fact that your studies were done online. It may not make a difference, but it may end up saving you a lot of hassle. 6. Not getting credit where credit is due. You don’t have to start from scratch when you begin learning online. If you have credit from previous schools, make sure to have transcripts sent to your online university and have the counselors check for course equivalency. Even if equivalencies are not granted automatically, you may be able to petition to receive credit. (Just make sure you do a good job of stating your case). A few schools will allow you to receive credit for life experience, based on testing or portfolio reviews. Check with your school’s counselors to see how you can get credit for what you already know. 7. Remaining ignorant of online resources. There’s a lot of online material available to help out students; make sure you know where you can get the help you need. Be aware of general resources such as virtual dictionaries, research help, and online books, as well as resources that relate to your specialized subject matter. Finding these sites from the start will save you money on books and help you find success in your studies.

How to Get a Job Teaching Online

The Basics of Teaching Online

Teaching online can be very different from teaching in a traditional classroom. An instructor who accepts employment teaching online must be prepared to help students learn without face-to-face interaction and live discussion. Teaching online certainly isn’t for everyone. However, many instructors enjoy the freedom of virtual instruction and the opportunity to interact with students from around the nation.

Is teaching online right for you? Explore the pros and cons of e-instruction, the requirements necessary for teaching online, and the ways you can find an online teaching job.

How to Qualify for Positions Teaching Online

In order to qualify for a position teaching online, applicants must generally meet the same requirements as traditional teachers. At the high school level, online teachers must have a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license. At the community college level, a master’s degree is the minimum requirement for teaching online. At the university level, a doctorate is generally required.

In some cases, colleges accept adjunct online professors without requiring them to meet the same standards as traditional, tenure-track teachers. Working professionals may also be able to get a position teaching online in relation to their chosen field.

At every level of teaching online, schools seek candidates who are familiar with the internet and content management systems such as Blackboard. Prior experience with teaching online and instructional design is highly desirable.

Pros of Teaching Online

There are many advantages to teaching online. Virtual instructors are often able to work from anywhere they choose. You could get a job teaching online for a prestigious school in another state and not have to worry about relocating. Since many e-courses are taught asynchronously, instructors are often able to set their own hours while teaching online. Additionally, instructors who make a living teaching online are able to interact with pupils from around the nation.

Cons of Teaching Online

Teaching online also comes with some notable drawbacks. Sometimes a pre-made curriculum is forced upon instructors teaching online, denying them the ability to use materials that have proved successful in their past courses. Teaching online can be isolating, and many instructors prefer interacting face-to-face with their pupils and peers. Some schools do not value online adjunct teachers, which can result in less pay and less respect in the academic community.

Find Jobs Teaching Online

Some colleges fill online teaching positions by selecting from the current faculty pool. Others post job descriptions specifically for instructors interested in teaching online. Below are some of the best places to find jobs teaching online. When looking for positions on websites without a distance learning focus, simply type “online instructor,” “online teacher,” “online adjunct,” or “distance learning,” into the search box.

Jobs Teaching Online – General Focus

• HigherEd Jobs
• Adjunct Nation
• Chronicle Careers
• TedJob
• Inside Higher Ed Jobs

Jobs Teaching Online – Distance Learning Specific

• United States Distance Learning Association Career Opportunities
• Get Educated Distance Learning Jobs

What's the Worst Online Class You've Ever Taken?

Faulty technology or an unprepared professor can make an online class a miserable experience. Almost every online student has had to deal with at least one "bad apple" class. Commiserate with your peers by telling us about the worst online class you've taken.

Unqualified Online Teacher

I was going to sign up for an online Spanish course. However, as serendipity would have it, I just happened to meet three disgruntled former students who had all quit this course for various reasons. Firstly, they found out that the teacher had NO experience, background, certification or anything to do with Spanish. The teacher showed her lack of judgement when she bumped these students up to the next level without telling them beforehand or explaining why they couldn't complete the level they were happily working on. These students also said they were unhappy with the (lack of)feedback on their written work. The teacher probably didn't understand half of what they had written! And finally, the teacher wasn't willing to review the quality of her teaching with these students. In my school district, this is a breach of the Code of Conduct. And yet, this teacher is still earning a full teacher's salary. I wonder how the tax payers would feel if they were aware of this...

—Guest Kathy

Unprepared Tutors

The trouble with online classes is no one is monitoring them or regulating. So you have many "tutors" showing up online claiming to have the skills and background to host such a class. Here's a typical example: A student decides they can earn a few bucks teaching English online, sets themselves up with a cheap camera and dial up Internet connection. They have no formal training or curriculum to follow. The result is a bad user experience and a black eye for online teaching. I own an online Spanish school and have qualified teachers,high quality connections/cameras/computers and curriculum.This provides the client a quality class, so they will return for more.

—121Speech

Oh, Forget About the Syllabus

During my worst online class, the teacher gave us a completely knew syllabus with different assignments four weeks into the session. I was furious because I'd already been working on a couple of the assignments and it was too late to drop the class.

—Guest Sarah

The Absent Professor

I once took a class where no one knew who the professor was. For the first half, it was alright because I could just turn in the assignments by email. But, I had some big questions during the final weeks and I couldn't get a hold of anyone that was supposed to be "in charge" of the class.

—Guest Bob A.

Unique Ways to Celebrate Graduation

Navigating the distance learning world can be tricky. Online students must learn to dodge the shallow promises of disreputable schools, manage their work, and use their diplomas to their advantage. As you continue your journey through the maze of virtual learning, avoid these seven common mistakes of distance learners and save yourself some hassle:

1. Choosing the wrong school. Selecting the right school is the most significant challenge distance learners face. “Diploma mill” schools charge unsuspecting students thousands of dollars for worthless degrees, whereas credentialed, trustworthy schools are able to give their students diplomas to be proud of. Before you enroll in an online school, make sure it has the appropriate regional accreditation and do some research to find out what type of programs, resources and support will be provided. 2. Procrastinating. This problem is magnified ten-fold when students have the leisure of completing classes at their own pace. Many students never finish their degree because they lack the self-discipline and motivation to sit down and get their work done on a daily basis. If you’re prone to putting off work, set some definite goals for yourself and stick to them. Many students have found it beneficial to create a deadline for receiving their degree and set smaller monthly, weekly, and daily goals that will allow them to reach that deadline. 3. Failing to connect with their peers and professors. One of the most rewarding experiences in education is learning through collaboration. Forming meaningful relationships with your peers and professors can allow you to learn more, stay motivated, and have an outlet to express your own understanding of subject matter. Don’t let yourself miss out on the benefits of these relationships just because your classrooms are online. Stay connected through message boards, chat rooms, email, and other virtual resources. 4. Paying too much. The sad truth is that school is pricy. You’re probably not going to get your education for free, but make sure that the future rewards will outweigh the cost of the debt you accumulate now. You don’t want to find yourself making a $30,000 teacher’s salary while paying back a $100,000 student loan. (unfortunately, this case is not all that uncommon). However, an MBA from a reputable school may be worth a significant student loan in the long run. Whatever you choose, make sure you only take loans for what is absolutely neccissary and try to save in other ways. Books and supplies can often be found at significantly lower prices (or even for free) if you know where to look and most computer and software companies offer huge discounts for currently enrolled students. 5. Scaring potential employers. More and more people are recognizing the validity of online education. However, be aware that it is not completely accepted by all people. Some potential employers may see warning signs if you announce that you earned your degree through the internet. A lot of people are still ignorant of the advances online education has made in recent years and fail to recognize the difference between legitimate degrees and “diploma mill” certificates. Even if you attended a reputable school, avoid calling attention to the fact that your studies were done online. It may not make a difference, but it may end up saving you a lot of hassle. 6. Not getting credit where credit is due. You don’t have to start from scratch when you begin learning online. If you have credit from previous schools, make sure to have transcripts sent to your online university and have the counselors check for course equivalency. Even if equivalencies are not granted automatically, you may be able to petition to receive credit. (Just make sure you do a good job of stating your case). A few schools will allow you to receive credit for life experience, based on testing or portfolio reviews. Check with your school’s counselors to see how you can get credit for what you already know. 7. Remaining ignorant of online resources. There’s a lot of online material available to help out students; make sure you know where you can get the help you need. Be aware of general resources such as virtual dictionaries, research help, and online books, as well as resources that relate to your specialized subject matter. Finding these sites from the start will save you money on books and help you find success in your studies.

10 Most Important Things You Can Do During Your First Week in an Online Class

The first week in an online class can be a little disorienting. New students must learn to navigate a virtual "classroom," interact with their peers and professors without actually seeing them face-to-face, and balance their assignments with their everyday lives. These ten tips can help you succeed in your online class from the moment you begin:

1. Determine if you're in over your head. Take a look at the course requirements and your personal schedule – then, decide if you can really handle the workload. Can you balance the course work with your family and career? Are the required assignments at your level? Are you really dedicated to finishing the online course? Too many distance learning students enroll in online courses and drop out after a month or so. Don't blemish your record with an "F" or a "W." If you decide to dropout before your online school's withdrawal deadline, you can usually get a full or partial refund of your tuition, as well as a clean record.

2. Buy any required texts. If your online course requires textbooks or other materials, buy them early so you won't fall behind on your assignments. Don't feel that you have to pay full price at the online school's bookstore. There are plenty of ways to get your required readings at a fraction of the price.

3. Update your computer. Check the course syllabus to see what software or hardware you will need. You may need to install programs (such as Acrobat Reader or Real Player) in order to access the multimedia components of your course. Using this week to make sure your computer can run the necessary programs will save you from being surprised when you're under a deadline.

4. Introduce yourself to the teacher. If you're in an online course with a lot of students, the teacher may never get to know you unless you take the initiative. Use your online course message board or email your teacher with a brief introduction. A teacher who knows a little bit about you will be more likely to help you through the course (and be a little more lenient when it comes time to dish out grades).

5. Participate. Sometimes it's difficult to jump in and participate in online class discussions. But, don't hesitate. Speaking up early will help you establish yourself as an active member of the course. You'll start to make new friends and will end up with a better grasp of the material.

6. Trade email address with your peers. Make the other online students your allies. They can help you study, answer your questions, and remind you of any upcoming deadlines. Best of all, they can act as a sort of support group. Online courses can be grueling, especially if you're already involved in a career and family activities that make up a large part of your day. Sometimes it's nice to just chat with someone who knows exactly what you're going through.

7. Acquaint yourself with the class structure. Each online course has its own structure. Spend a few minutes exploring the course webpage before jumping into the lessons. Make sure you understand how you can access all of the necessary online class components (lessons, lectures, chat rooms, message boards, multimedia presentations, assignment submission forms, etc.) Take note of any optional components that can be used to help you with your coursework.

8. Record tests and assignments on your calendar. Don't expect your online class professor to give you regular reminders. Many instructors only mention big assignments at the beginning of the online course. As soon as you receive a syllabus, record all of the assignments, tests, essays, and projects on your personal calendar.

9. Establish a regular study time. Figure out how much study time you will need each week and set a regular schedule. Let your friends and family members know that you'll be unavailable during that time. If you establish this routine early on, you'll be more likely to stick to it.

10. Get a head start on the assigned work. Jumpstart your online course by beginning upcoming assignments and papers during your first week as a student. When the assignment deadlines draw near, you'll feel confident knowing much of the work is already completed.

Are You Ready For a Career Change?

Many times people find themselves in a career that is not very fulfilling. They discover after many years that they are simply waiting for their day for retirement. However, that date seems to be happening later and later in life due to our economic situation.
One thing I believe is that it’s never too late to make a positive change, and though change does not come easily for most of us, if we really want a change, we can find a way to make it happen.
If you feel stuck in your job or career, it might be time to take that big bad step and do something to open up an avenue for change in your life.

Here are a few questions to help you evaluate your current situation

1. Where you are in your career?
2. Is this spot helping you reach your personal goals?
3. Do you really want to remain where you are?
4. Do you feel stuck because of the economy?
5. Are you afraid you can’t do something different?
6. What would it take to help you make a positive change?
7. Could a degree or certification give you more confidence and help you make a positive change?
One thing I have learned from experience is that many of us have talent, experience and knowledge related to our careers that could easily be incorporated into a different career.
Often people simply do not realize that their experience can be valuable in a completely different setting. I challenge you to take a look at what you are really good at doing and uncovering other ways to use your knowledge and experience.
Take an online class related to your area of expertise and update your resume. You may be very surprised at what this will lead to in terms of employment and self-fulfillment.