Online learning is different from face-to-face learning. Let's not sugarcoat that.
Are you a K-12 educator who is teaching students over the internet with no face-to-face interaction? Online learning does present new challenges, but it can be really great for both students and teachers! Author Lindy Hockenbary tackles the most common questions of new online instructors, including:
- How do you engage learners in a virtual environment?
- How do you develop relationships with students whom you never see in person?
- What does classroom management even look like in an online class?
- How do you assess students when there is no way to know if they are looking up all the answers?
- How do you ensure clear communication since you cannot stand over a learner's shoulder and ensure a task is accomplished?
- How do you communicate with and support the families of online learners?
- How do you ensure equity when students are never in the same physical space?
A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning addresses each of these questions head-on by presenting key takeaways to guide virtual learning design. Lindy brings her experience as a classroom teacher and instructional technologist to focus on the how-tos of remote learning. When it comes to educational technology, her motto is "use the tool that is right for the job." Every online teacher has to find what works best for their unique mix of teaching style, content area, learner demographics, individual learner personalities, and access to digital instructional tools. To provide a well-rounded perspective on the topic of online learning, other classroom teachers, school leaders, and instructional technologists have contributed to the book as well.
Are you a face-to-face teacher looking for guidance with digital learning? In addition to providing guidance for online learning, this book is a two-for-one that provides a framework for building a strong foundation to ensure success of technology as an instructional tool.
"Lindy Hockenbary's book, "A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning," is a must read for anyone involved with today's innovations for leveraging technology to meet the needs of every learner. The transition to digital teaching and learning is doable when those involved are equipped with the strategies and skill sets to be successful. Lindy's book provides practical solutions to assure that teachers and students (as well as students' families and adult caregivers) have the know-how to maximize online learning opportunities." Ann McMullan, Education Leadership Consultant and Author of " Life Lessons in Leadership: The Way of Wallaby"
This book was designed with K-12 teachers in mind, but the majority of information can be applied to higher education/postsecondary learning environments as well.