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>> Most of use different online technologies, as part
of their everyday lives, without really thinking about it.
>> Whether it's shopping, paying bills, booking a holiday or keeping in touch with
family or friends, the internet has fundamentally
changed, how we communicate, work and share information.
>> Digital technologies are infiltrating society extremely rapidly
compared to other major technological developments in recent history.
>> This change is happening so fast, that many
educational institutions have found it very hard to keep up.
Because of this, the way many of us teach does not
always align with some of the skills students need to learn.
>> So as teachers, we need to ensure that we are
preparing our students to live and work in the real world.
This means that in addition to teaching
them disciplinary knowledge and skills, we also
need to teach them digital literacies they
need to be effective in the future workplace.
>> To do this, we first ned to develop these literacies for ourselves.
It is important for each of us to build our own understanding
of the relevance of online technology, to the way we already teach.
In the context of it's authentic use
in professional industries, and the rest of society.
>> Once we understand this, we can ensure that we teach our
students in a way that will be most beneficial and relevant for them.
>> Technology changes quickly, so we have to focus on understanding
effective pedagogical strategies, rather than
just focusing on the technology itself.
In this way we can continue to adapt
to whatever changes come our way in the future.
>> Integrating technology into our teaching
is an important option to consider.
Our society has fundamentally changed.
And we all need to change with it.
But in a way that works best for our students and for ourselves.
>> This course can you help with this.
>> And for ourselves.
>> Then the bigger picture.
We wanted to outline a few practical reasons why it's worth your
while to learn how to teach either fully online or blended courses.
We'll explore many of these ideas throughout the course.
Teaching online means that learning and teaching
is not limited to a set class time.
It can occur at times that are more convenient
and productive for both students and you as teachers.
Learning can happen anywhere and can include
students and teachers from diverse geographical locations.
Administrative load can be greatly streamlined
through considered use of certain digital technologies.
Online delivery can provide greater opportunities
for students and teachers living with a
disability, or those who may find it difficult to attend face to face classes.
Teachers and students can easily access and share current
information with larger and more diverse groups of people online.
There are many quality online resources that are free to use in
your classes, allowing students to learn from other experts in the field.
And the student learning experience can be enhanced by
providing greater opportunities for
cross-disciplinary or cross cultural collaborations.
We all have our individual motivations for wanting to teach online.
>> Some of us regard it as
our natural progression, in our current teaching practice.
Some of us are reluctant to change,
but feel pressured by what's happening around us.
>> Others of us, are interested in online education.
But, don't know how to get started, or expand upon what we already do.
For each of us to make effective, lasting change in our
practice, we need to first see how online teaching relates to what
we already do, understand how it's being used in the disciplines we
teach, and how it can benefit us, and of course, our students.
>> The first activity in this course, will help
you develop a strategy, to begin thinking about these questions,
in your own unique circumstances, which will provide a
basis, for the rest of your study in this course.
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