Recently, a few teachers that I’ve worked with in a traditional setting have contacted me regarding their desire to teach online. Some of these teachers are my age and are searching for a second income. Others are retiring from the traditional classroom but aren’t ready to walk away from teaching completely. No matter what their background, their ability to embrace and utilize technology is one of the first subjects I address with them when they express this interest.
For many Generation Yers and younger, we grew up with technology. We typed papers on our laptops, saved our papers on jumped drives, and accessed files via our college’s online library. For those of the generations before us, technology doesn’t always come as easily. For example, for my mom and my in-laws, technology is still an issue that trips them up – and I receive the phone call – “Why won’t my email send?” “How do I take a photo with my phone?” “What button do I need to press to make the Cable TV work?” For those desiring to teach online, if they are not able to both utilize technology and trouble-shoot for issues independently, working within the online classroom is going to be a very frustrating and tedious process.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that older generations shouldn’t teach online. Those who have the desire and ability to utilize technology can be phenomenal online instructors. Personally, I work with two gentlemen who have grown children and often are more intelligent than I am when it comes to online technologies. I am saying, if someone doesn’t enjoy utilizing the computer for basic tasks, they probably aren’t going to enjoy teaching online.
Technology requirements and skills vary based on specific schools and their criteria. Some schools would prefer that instructors have a Mac, utilize FireFox, and record their own video lectures. Other schools only require an Internet connection and the availability of standard software such as Microsoft Word and Excel, etc. It depends on the school and the individual course requirements.
Recently, more and more online schools are pushing for teachers to be more engaged and interactive with students in the online environment. In the past, many courses were text based, which we are finding does not provide the type of engagement that leads to student learning. More schools are requiring video lectures and encouraging instructors to utilize a variety of technologies and software within the classroom.
Other examples are utilizing Vokis, Powtoons, Jing, Glogster, etc. to personalize the classroom and spur student interaction and engagement.
When applying for an online position, be sure to read through the technology expectations and requirements. While it’s okay if you aren’t sure what some of the requirements are, and most schools will provide a 2-6 week (usually unpaid) training to help you to understand their course platform and the technology required, it is a factor to consider in the process of choosing to enter the online education field.
About the Author
Jamie Weitl is a WAHM teaching for several online universities and raising three precocious little ones. In her spare time she enjoys writing, baking, and running. For more info, see my Google Plus Profile.
