One of the many benefits of teaching online classes is the ability to customize your class schedule. You can check in on the class discussion threads everyday and be sure to stay on top of assignments. If you find yourself falling behind in your assignments, please email your professor for help. You may also find that your class will be more engaging, because you can interact with your students in real-time.
Challenges
Students and teachers both face many challenges while taking online classes. These issues can include network and facility issues, student-teacher interaction, as well personal and socio-psychological problems. These problems can also be addressed with many other solutions. Online teaching is becoming more popular than ever thanks to an increase in internet users. Online instructors and students must identify the obstacles that prevent them from completing their online classes successfully.
Although there may be some difficulties with online teachers, the benefits far outweigh them. Online teachers must ensure that students are motivated and engaged throughout the course. This requires the preparation of all teaching materials and the effective use of ICTs. Another benefit to online education is its ability for custom learning.
Benefits
Taking a class online can have many benefits. One of the biggest benefits is being able to study a subject in detail. Online courses allow you to explore topics that may not be possible to visit in person. Online classes can be particularly helpful if your subject has cultural connotations. Online classes are also flexible. These classes can be taken anytime and anywhere students want, and can be accessed whenever they feel like it.
Online classes are also time-saving. It can be difficult to commute to campus. People would prefer to spend more time at their homes than riding in traffic or taking public transportation. You will be able to spend more time enjoying life and saving time. Also, it can enhance productivity and creativity.
How to get students involved
There are many ways to get students involved in a class activity. One of these is to model curiosity and interest. It is also a good idea to create activities that encourage participation. Online learning can be frustrating. This makes it important to have a human touch.
Students should feel like you are interested in what they do and want to help them succeed, online or in-person. You can encourage student engagement by using virtual tools like forums. This can make your lesson more engaging and give you the opportunity to reward students by giving them fun rewards. It can be fun to create a shared space and encourage students to participate.
Disadvantages
Online classes have their advantages but there are disadvantages as well. One of the most important is the inability for students to meet with their instructors face-to–face. Students can feel isolated and this can reduce their motivation to learn. Students who feel isolated from their peers may also be more vulnerable to identity theft, distractions and viruses. The quality of an online education can be negatively affected if there is not enough interaction with other students.
An additional disadvantage to taking online classes is the lack accountability from instructors. Online classes don't have the accountability of instructors, so it is very easy to cheat. But students can still achieve success if they put in the effort. For instance, students may want to join a networking organization to network with professionals who might be able to help them with their studies.