6.3: Core Skills and Innovative Strategies for Online Educators
- Page ID
- 32007
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- Identify key competencies required for effective online teaching.
- Discuss pedagogical approaches and instructional strategies specific to online learning environments.
- Explore the use of digital tools for communication, engagement, and assessment in online teaching.
Digital pedagogy emerges as the art and science of teaching and learning through technology. On this page, we will explore some of the key competencies and skills essential for effective online teaching and online course/curriculum design.
What is Digital Pedagogy?
Digital pedagogy is the convergence of education and technology, where the teaching methods and the learning experience are enhanced through digital tools and platforms. It is about leveraging the power of digital technology to create effective, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences.
Watch this short introduction to digital pedagogy.
Effective digital pedagogy: New ways of engaging students. [Video: 2:45. Closed Captioned].
Skills and Competencies for Effective Online Educators
In the digital classroom, certain core competencies stand out as critical for educators to master. These include virtual engagement, which breathes life into the online space, innovative instructional strategies that re-imagine traditional learning activities for the digital frontier, and pedagogical adaptability, the educator's ability to flex and mold their teaching approach to the dynamic online environment. There is no magic and immediate way to obtain these skills. They take time, research and practice, but doing so will make you a much better online instructor! Below, we'll define these key skills and share some practical strategies for educators to develop and enhance these crucial competencies to help support your online (and designing) teaching success.
Virtual Engagement
Virtual engagement is the ability to create a dynamic and interactive online learning environment where students are not passive recipients but active participants. Some strategies to learn and/or improve your skills in this area include:
- Interactive Techniques: Incorporate real-time quizzes, interactive videos, Q&A sessions, and discussion boards.
- Professional Development: Attend webinars and workshops on online engagement techniques.
- Peer Observation: Collaborate with peers to observe and learn from their virtual engagement methods.
Innovative Instructional Strategies
What is meant by innovative instructional strategy skills? It is the use of creative and effective teaching methods that are specifically designed for the online learning environment. Here are some suggestions and strategies to learn or improve your skills in this area:
- Experimentation: Try out different strategies like storytelling, gamification, and problem-based learning to see what resonates with your students. There are many, many online tools that you can explore to help you learn and implement this strategy.
- Continuing Education: Take courses in educational technology to stay abreast of the latest tools and trends.
- Feedback Loop: Regularly solicit feedback from other instructors on what works for them, and from students on which strategies are helping them learn effectively.
Pedagogical Adaptability
Pedagogical adaptability is the capacity to adjust teaching methods and styles to accommodate the varying needs and preferences of students in the online setting. Like all of the skills, this is important, and requires practice to be able to identify needs, as well as employ proper strategies to help your learners. Some ways to help improve or develop your skills might include:
- Reflective Practice: Continuously reflect on your teaching practices and be willing to make necessary adjustments.
- Resource Utilization: Make use of various educational resources available for online teaching to diversify your teaching methods. This will require some practice and understanding of different tools, and how each will support specific learning needs.
- Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced online educators who can provide insights into adaptable teaching practices. Perhaps you can join a community of practice. A community of practice (CoP) refers to a group of people who share a common interest or a profession and come together to fulfill both individual and group goals. They engage in collective learning by interacting regularly, sharing information and experiences, and working collaboratively to improve their skills and knowledge in a specific domain. Communities of practice can exist within an organization, across various sectors, or online, and are characterized by mutual interests and shared resources. Do a quick internet search for local, regional or national CoP to find one of interest, or even develop one in your own organization.
Image created using Canva by Renee Albrecht CC BY.
Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is not just about knowing how to use a computer. For educators, it's a crucial skill that includes the ability to use a range of digital tools and platforms effectively, supporting and enhancing the teaching and learning experience. This literacy is pivotal in today's educational landscape, where technology is an integral part of our classrooms (and elsewhere!). Here are some strategies to help you learn or improve your digital literacy.
- Tech Training: Engage in training sessions to learn about new educational technologies.
- Self-learning: Dedicate time to independently explore and familiarize yourself with different digital tools.
- Networking: Join online communities of educators to exchange knowledge about digital resources and tools.
Effective Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful online educational experience. It involves the clear and impactful exchange of ideas and information between the educator and students, ensuring that learning objectives are understood and met. In a virtual environment, where face-to-face cues are absent, the importance of articulating messages clearly and fostering an open dialogue cannot be overstated. It's about making sure that every student feels heard and engaged, and that the learning material is conveyed in a manner that can be easily grasped, irrespective of the digital medium used. This skill is pivotal for educators to master, as it directly influences the quality of education and the strength of the learning community they build online. Here are a few strategies to help support effective communication skills (focused in an online environment):
- Active Listening: Practice active listening during student interactions to improve responsiveness. This listening could be during virtual sessions or written "listening." You can connect with another to practice, or do a quick internet search to find online virtual listening practice tools.
- Clear Writing: Enhance your written communication skills, as much of online interaction is text-based. Connecting with someone in your organization, a colleague, or a friend who is a writing expert for some assistance or feedback. Or again, if you do a quick internet search (for example, "online tools to improve my writing skills"), you will find a plethora of resources.
- Empathy Training, Cultural Awareness Training, Equity Training: Develop empathy to better understand and respond to student communications. These skills will all help support better understanding and communication with your learners.
Assessment Proficiency
Assessment proficiency is about crafting and executing evaluations that accurately reflect each student's understanding and mastery of the subject matter in a virtual setting. Effective assessments are vital—they not only gauge learning progress but also guide educators in tailoring instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Recognizing the unique challenges that online environments pose, such as ensuring academic integrity and providing meaningful feedback, additional training may be necessary. By enhancing their assessment proficiency, educators can ensure that their assessments are not just a formality, but a powerful tool for enhancing and directing the learning journey of their students. Some ideas to get started or to further improve your assessment development skills:
- Assessment Design Workshops: Participate in workshops to learn how to create effective online assessments.
- Collaboration: Work with other educators to develop assessments that are meaningful and relevant.
- Research: Stay informed about best practices in online assessment through current educational literature.
OpenLearn. (2022). Effective digital pedagogy: new ways of engaging students. Youtube. The Open University.