Structure and direction

In the previous step we compared synchronous and asynchronous, as well as online and offline approaches to teaching and learning. Now we’ll consider how developing a regular learning structure and giving clear directions when teaching online, just as in the physical classroom, can help motivate and engage students.

Setting a timetable

A clear timetable will help you organise your preparation and teaching time and set clear expectations of what students need to work on any particular day.

Suzanne Mordue, British Council UK: “Set a timetable and stick to it.”

Martin Weller, The Open University: ”[A] clear study calendar, and descriptions of exactly what is required from learners.”

Virtual Office Hours

Encouraging independent learning

Rebecca Ferguson, The Open University: “In the face-to-face classroom, students are used to relying on educators to arrange their study timetable, set study goals, and assess whether these goals have been achieved. At a distance, more of these tasks will be the responsibility of learners, so support learners in recognising and acquiring these self-regulation skills.”

Giving clear directions

Amy Ike, GDST: ”[Give] simple clear instructions outlining what is expected of them.”

Hannah Tyreman, Chartered College of Teaching: ”When writing instructions for learning content or creating the content itself, make several edits to ensure your communication is concise.”

Lisa Harris, University of Exeter Business School: “I may think something I’ve said within a course is obvious, but I should check that students have understood it in the same way. There is always scope for misunderstanding!”

Martin Weller, the Open University: “No matter how carefully you word something, there is always room for misinterpretation when a student is on their own. So be prepared to clarify, and be very clear.”

Peer feedback?

You may want to share your task instructions with a colleague. Then you can review each other’s texts and suggest clarifications.

Discussion In the comments below, share how you plan to give your learning activities structure and clear directions. You plans may be similar to how you approach a face to face environment but you’ll want to include how you will you adapt it to an online context.