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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Online education: The foundations of online teaching by Macquarie University

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239 ratings

About the Course

In a world that’s quickly becoming dominated by mobile technology, flexible working opportunities and a post-pandemic economy, online learning is here to stay. This course introduces you to the basics of reimagining, redesigning and optimising face-to-face offerings for the online environment so that learners feel connected, engaged and motivated to learn. Educators from around the world who are facing these issues in schools, universities and the vocational education sector are finding they need to adapt by upskilling to meet these changing times. This course will introduce you to the key foundational concepts required for teaching online and will explore how technology has fundamentally changed the way education can be delivered and consumed by learners. The course will cover questions such as: What is online learning and how does it differ from learning in traditional classroom settings? Do the needs of online learners differ from their face-to-face counterparts? How can I design online learning so that it reflects and meets the needs of my learners? Which tools and resources are readily available and easy to master for facilitating engaging and interactive online learning? These questions and many more will be answered in this course, which is designed for teachers and educators who are new to online learning, or those who are preparing to adapt existing learning resources to an online learning environment. Learning outcomes By the end of this course, you’ll: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the trajectory of online learning, from a historical perspective to contemporary experience and future possibilities 2. Explain how the needs of learners in blended and fully online learning environments differ from traditional face-to-face learning environments 3. Select and use a range of techniques, tools and resources to improve the digital learning skills of learner...

Top reviews

EE

Feb 4, 2023

A fresh view on online learning and teaching, would recommend even if not in the traditional education space but instead considering creating a course and releasing it online.

SM

Apr 3, 2022

This course is very interesting and fits the topic I need. The level of material presented is suitable for beginners and informative to be directly applied in online learning.

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1 - 25 of 57 Reviews for Online education: The foundations of online teaching

By Jason L

Dec 14, 2021

The course content was very general. If you are looking for ideas on how to improve the effectiveness of your online classes and presentations, they only provide some good links and secondary sources, but there wasn't a lot in the actual lecture content. It was more about the basic value in online education and some general rules of thumb. For a class on effective online teaching, there were some basic flaws, like too much reading verbatim during the lectures. The podcasts were dry and lengthy. The same visuals were repeated frequently throughout the course. I suppose if somebody is very new to education or very hesitant to use technology, it would be okay, but it wasn't what I was looking for. There are been some excellent Coursera courses from Macquarie, but this wasn't one I would recommend.

By Loretta E

May 21, 2023

It opens your mind to how effective and efficient online learning can be, and ways to achieve it. For non-educators, you get to understand the pedagogy (and andragogy) for teaching and ways technology can improve it. The weekly challenge gives a practical approach to the lessons and reinforces the knowledge gained.

By Rijadh D W

Nov 27, 2021

I think this is a good introductory course. I recommed this course especially for early career educators as part of their professional development.

By Dr. T C

May 3, 2022

The course is well deisgned. it makes me easy to catch up with the programme's main ideas.

By Alvin L Y P

Oct 27, 2021

very good Course for basic understanding on Onliearning Learning

By Marian T

Apr 18, 2022

A basic course that inspired me to improve my online teahing.

By 006 i r

Mar 9, 2022

i like the materials, i found a lot of new strategies inside.

By DIANA-MARIE L B

Sep 20, 2024

I have engaged with several key concepts that are essential for fostering effective online education. Understanding these principles not only enhances my instructional practices but also improves the learning experiences of my students. Firstly, the differentiation between various course models—online, hybrid, and hyflex—has been crucial. Each model presents unique opportunities and challenges that affect student interaction and overall learning outcomes. Online courses provide flexibility, while hybrid models blend face-to-face and virtual elements, catering to diverse learning preferences. Hyflex models, which allow students to choose between attending in-person or online, further empower learners by accommodating their individual needs. The theory of transactional distance is another vital area of focus. This concept explains the psychological space created by distance education, highlighting the impact on communication and learner autonomy. High levels of transactional distance can lead to feelings of isolation among students. To mitigate this, I have implemented strategies such as increasing dialogue through regular check-ins and enhancing course structure to promote a sense of community. Cognitive load is also a significant consideration in my teaching practice. Understanding the three types of cognitive load—intrinsic, extraneous, and germane—has informed my approach to information delivery. By simplifying content and providing clear instructions, I can help students manage their cognitive load, allowing them to focus on meaningful learning without becoming overwhelmed. Fostering student interaction is essential for creating an engaging learning environment. I prioritize establishing a vibrant online community through interactive discussion forums, ice-breaking activities, and thought-provoking questions. These strategies encourage students to share their ideas and experiences, thereby enriching their learning journey. Inclusivity in online learning is another critical aspect of my teaching philosophy. By designing courses that accommodate various learning styles, I aim to create an environment where all students feel welcomed and valued. Encouraging active participation helps ensure that every learner has a voice in the educational process. As I look to the future, staying updated on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality is paramount. These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize online education, offering innovative ways to engage students and enhance their learning experiences. Lastly, I recognize the importance of continuous improvement as an educator. Committing to professional development through collaboration, training, and exploration of new educational technologies allows me to refine my teaching practices continually. This dedication ultimately benefits my students, creating a more effective and engaging online learning environment. In conclusion, by applying these principles, I can significantly enhance the learning experiences of my students. Understanding course models, addressing transactional distance, managing cognitive load, fostering interaction, promoting inclusivity, embracing future trends, and committing to continuous improvement are all integral to my approach to online education. These concepts not only guide my teaching practices but also contribute to the development of a supportive and dynamic learning community.

By Catherine V V

Jul 14, 2024

Excellent and engaging course that provides a foundation of online teaching theory and application. The course may be best suited for those without an education academic background and who are beginning to teach in higher education settings.

By Erika G E

Feb 5, 2023

A fresh view on online learning and teaching, would recommend even if not in the traditional education space but instead considering creating a course and releasing it online.

By Sella M

Apr 3, 2022

This course is very interesting and fits the topic I need. The level of material presented is suitable for beginners and informative to be directly applied in online learning.

By Sara D

Nov 8, 2023

Totally awesome! This is a very informative and insightful course. It is a great start to studying online course design. Highly recommend!

By فرحان ج م ا

Apr 20, 2023

رائع متميز بارك الله فيك ووفقك الله لكل خير

Wonderful, distinguished, may God bless you and grant you success for all that is good

By John J A

Aug 9, 2022

The content was simple and the presentation was excellent. Thank you team for providing such great courses for online educators.

By Andres B

Jul 13, 2022

I think some feedback and more interactive discussion on tasks like the forum we designed would have been useful.

By MARIA D P Q E

Mar 4, 2023

It was an interesting course, it provides good ideas to apply on our remote classes. Thank you.

By Олексій В Б

May 3, 2022

An interesting course that provides a basis for understanding the system of modern education

By Nadezda P

Nov 27, 2022

Interesting, well-structured, and very encouraging course. Thank you.

By Mei L S

Nov 11, 2024

The course provides great foundational knowledge for online teachers

By Noorah M

May 5, 2023

Really its the time we should stop looking anew world with old eyes.

By Ch G R

May 18, 2023

It is fabulous and very useful course, I have learnt new things.

By Tanielle P

Aug 23, 2023

I felt like I learned a lot and this course was worth my while.

By Kenny C

Feb 8, 2023

Great course, I really

understood the WHY of online education.

By Hai T T

Sep 14, 2021

It is really

good for beginning teachers

By Dr. I I A A

May 29, 2024

Excellent course a must for any teacher.