Creating and Testing T&L Strategies for the Virtual Classroom

Link to article (By Nancy E. Thompson)
Full Title: Creating and Testing Teaching/Learning Strategies for the Virtual Classroom "...the purpose of this study is to define and describe teaching/learning strategies for use in distance education, use those strategies in designing distance education instruction, and test their effectiveness. Three theoretical frames were used in the creation of the strategies: adult educational theory; brain-based educational theory; and the Effective Distance Education Model."

Findings:

• Teaching/learning strategies developed within a theoretical frame of adult education, brain-based education and the Effective Distance Education Model can be effective when used in the virtual, graduate classroom.
• Inexperienced instructors need additional help to succeed, and therefore should go through induction programs, which consists of training, support, and sustained feedback in a collaborative environment.
• Training sessions should be designed to acquaint the teacher with distance education teaching strategies.
• It is recommended to pair the new teacher with an experienced teacher to provide the new teacher with a role model, friend, advisor, and confidante (mentor).
• Encourage the role of reflection in the development of teaching skills as teachers learn to know themselves and view themselves through the eyes of their students, their colleagues, and the professional literature (e.g. video tape the instructor and review, periodic assessments of the teacher by students, participation in informal professional-development groups, and study professional literature.)

Yes, there is a lot to learn from this article! Induction programs, mentoring, and continuous support to new and inexperienced teachers in any educational institution could covert them into great virtual teachers (within a very short time. Say, two (2) months! Trust me!).