ERIC Number: EJ1133615
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Jan
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1547-500X
EISSN: N/A
Common Challenges for Instructors in Large Online Courses: Strategies to Mitigate Student and Instructor Frustration
Trammell, Beth A.; LaForge, Chera
Journal of Educators Online, v14 n1 Jan 2017
Teaching in the online classroom is becoming commonplace for instructors as universities seek to grow enrollments and tap into unexplored markets. Many instructors, however, are often unprepared for the nuances of distance education and apprehensive about making the transition to online learning. This article aims to discuss common challenges for instructors of high-enrollment online courses (70+ students). Course design and instructional effectiveness are some of the most significant challenges facing instructors tasked with managing large online courses and those challenges align with the areas students commonly consider as necessary for successful online delivery. Using examples from large online classes and the existing research on best practices in online education, ways to minimize those challenges will be discussed. These suggestions include recommendations for assignment construction, including the use of group work, collaborative assignments, e-portfolios, as well as for planning course design, including consistent deadlines and course structure. These suggestions are aimed at mitigating student and instructor frustration with high enrollment online classes.
Descriptors: Large Group Instruction, Online Courses, Educational Strategies, Instructional Design, Instructional Effectiveness, Best Practices, Assignments, Cooperative Learning, Portfolios (Background Materials), Educational Planning, Scheduling, Course Organization, Undergraduate Study
Journal of Educators Online. 500 University Drive, Dothan, AL 36303. Web site: http://www.thejeo.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A