Number 4 January 1, 2001	A publication of Project Eagle, St. Petersburg College

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Elements of Effective E-Teaching and E-Learning

"The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read.
It will be the person who does not know how to learn." (Alvin Toffler)

A recurrent issue related to e-learning is how to assure success for both the instructors and the students involved. The sources that follow lead to some of the best ideas of the moment.

Instructional Competencies and Teaching Styles

Asynchronous Online Learning Instructor Competencies. © INSIGHT ED, LLC Patti Shank, MA ED. All rights reserved. Examines the instructor's role in course success in four areas: administration, facilitation, technical and evaluation.
Distance Education Course Design. George Washington University (DC). An evaluation tool for beginners designed by Sherri Braxton. Allows instructors to examine their own methods of course design and delivery.
Instructor Competencies in a Distance Education Context. Grant MacEwen College (Canada). Includes information on needed technical knowledge and skills, management of time, relationships with students, instructor support, instructional design support, technical support, and institutional support.
"Internet Teaching By Style: Profiling the On-line Professor." Black Hills State University (SD). Journal article by four faculty members that appeared in Educational Technology and Society 3(2) 2000. Utilizing the results of Myers-Briggs and Gregorc assessments, the article gives a preliminary analysis of the personal characteristics of college professors who choose to teach online.
Learning and Teaching in Cyberspace. A personal Web report/site with many relevant links designed by Greg Kearsley, Instructional Designer for Walden University (MN). Chapter 6 is devoted to online teaching, Chapter 7 to design and development of online courses.
Teaching and Learning Styles That Facilitate Online Learning. Survey Results. Australian National Training Authority. Section C, "Design and Development," enumerates strategies that have adapted well to the online environment (e.g., discussions, tutorials, research activities, case studies), and those that have not (e.g., transfer of large amounts of text-based material to an online format, motivation, group work).
What Makes a Successful Online Facilitator? Illinois Online Network. Detailed list of qualifications (e.g., open, concerned, flexible and sincere), plus links to other Web resources.

Student Competencies and Learning Styles

"Comparing Student Learning Styles in an Online Distance Learning Class and an Equivalent On-Campus Class." Cuesta Community College (CA). Journal article by David P. Diaz and Ryan B. Cartnal that appeared in College Teaching 47(4), 1999, 130-135. It reports the results of a study that revealed significantly more independent learners in online classes than in equivalent ones on campus.
Online Learning Styles. A brief but different view from Fastrak Consulting that looks at compatibility of students to online learning, including the possibility of better results with left-brain thinkers.
Student Support Services for Distance Learners. St. Petersburg Junior College (FL). Best Educational E-Practices, Issue 2, November 2000. Lists tools presently in use nationwide for self-assessment of e-learning readiness.
Teaching and Learning Styles That Facilitate Online Learning. Survey Results. Australian National Training Authority. Section D, "Delivery," lists learning competencies and styles that work well in the online environment (e.g., self-paced, highly motivated, reflective, mature).
What Is Your Learning Style? A Self Quiz. Developed by ATT Learning Network for professionals considering online learning, but useful for all potential e-learners.

Tips for E-Teaching Success

Guide to Online Teaching. University of Minnesota College of Continuing Education. Designed for online instructors at the university, but filled with useful links and ideas for anyone.
"Instruction on the Web: The Online Student's Perspective." University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Journal article by three instructors previously published in the CSS Journal, no date. Their study examines the issues of online course design, implementation, and motivation from a student's perspective.
On-Line Courses: Tips for Making Them Work. Article by Linda Cooper of Macon State College (GA) that appeared in the Journal of Instructional Science and Technology 3(3), March 2000. Tips include importance of initial class meeting, ongoing communication and monitoring student activity.
Online Teaching and Learning Resources. National Education Association. List of excellent links for online instructors at all levels.
Online Teaching Tips. Extensive list by Karla Embleton, Iowa State University. The tips apply to any courseware package, but are particularly useful for those using WebCT.

Tips for E-Learning Success

How to Succeed with MSU Online Courses. Minot State University (ND). Ten demands and qualities an online student needs to master in areas of access, participation, discipline, communication and courtesy.
Important Qualities of a Successful Online Student. Santa Barbara City College (CA). Stresses the importance of enough time, self-reliance, computer competency and strong written skills.
Successful Online Learning. University of Wisconsin. Stresses participation, persistence, reflection and sharing.
Tips for Online Learners. University of Illinois. Lists need to take program seriously, believe in the distance learning environment, log on at least 5-6 days a week, and speak up with problems.
Tips for Student Success in an Online Course. Community College of Aurora (CO). Includes checking email, frequent contact with instructor, interaction with classmates, keeping up with assignments, asking questions, and keeping copies of e-correspondence.
Top 10 eLearning Tips. Press release from PrimeLearning.com, 12/6/2000. Designed for business e-learners, but useful to any student. Adds need for uninterrupted time, setting realistic learning goals, tacking breaks during long study periods, and considering resources beyond the computer.

E-Journals and Other E-Sources for Teaching and Learning

Educational Technology and Society.	Online Teaching and Learning. WebCT.
Journal of Interactive Media in Education.	Syllabus.
Journal of Computer-Mediated Comm.	T.H.E. Journal.
Journal of Technology Education.	TechKnowlogia.
Merlot. Peer-reviewed e-learning material.	The Technology Source.
Online-Ed.	World Lecture Hall. U of TX. Links to online course outlines worldwide.

The contents of BEEP were developed under a grant from the U. S. Department of Education (DOE). However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the DOE, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.