Week 8 - Preparing Students for Online Learning

A good facilitator must "lead the way" for the online learner. You must assume that every student is brand new to online learning. They must be walked step-by-step through what is expected and most importantly, how to use the technology available and how to navigate the course. New students will be very uneasy the first couple of weeks. I remember how scared I was to take my first online course. And I had many technology skills already! Think of the learners that are "slow" with technology tools, or even keyboarding. Here is a link to Ball State University's orientation tips for online learners. It's great, short and sweet: http://www.bsu.edu/web/iandt/tutorial/orientation8.htm