Thursday, January 29, 2015

Module 2: Online Teachers and Learners

Module 2: Online Teachers and Learners

Through my mentor's brief introduction, I was excited to find out that he has lived in various countries while serving as an online instructor.  This intrigued me due to the fact that I am now living, for the first time, in another country.  I look forward to finding out more about the logistics of working online as well as retrieving tips for how to balance home and career.  

Below are the questions I have sent for my mentor to preview.  We will discuss live when he is available.  Some of the questions were derived based on some of the statements made in my mentor’s initial interview.   Others stem from an article I read online entitled, “Becoming an Online Teacher: 5 Perils to Ponder.”  In the article, Gail Overstreet outlines 5 questions one should think about before becoming an online teacher.  The question that intrigued me the most was, “Are you great at self management?”  Therefore, I decided to ask my mentor about his approach to time management and organization.  Additionally, I wanted to know some of the challenges he has faced while teaching online and the impact living abroad had on his career as an online professional.  

1.     What technologies do you utilize in this course or other courses you have taught?

2.     What are some of the benefits of teaching an online course?

3.     What are some of the challenges?

4.     How flexible are you with adult learners?

5.     What are some ways in which you build an online community?

6.     Generally, how long does it take to develop an online course?

7.     Do you design the courses or are there certain aspects designed by the school?

8.     Do you find distance education as effective as traditional education?

9.     What advise to you have for time management and organization while teaching online courses?

10.  Being that you have lived in various countries and I am currently living abroad, could you briefly describe the benefits of living abroad, and what role online teaching has played in those experiences?  Was it a challenge teaching online courses while overseas?

Overstreet, G. (n.d.). Becoming an Online Teacher: 5 Perils to Ponder. Retrieved January 24, 2015.



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