The eAcademy e-Instructor Certification Program, Subject 2 – Distance Learning Methodology, is now complete. In this subject, we concentrated on the e-learning scenario, the ADDIE model’s application, and the instructional strategies, activities, and tools used in the DL environment. Discussion board responses and a self-evaluation quiz were among the homework assignments.The tutors were two SMEs: Ph.D. Iryna Lysychkina, and Aura Codreanu.
We continue our journey with Questions and Answers with NATO DEEP eAcademy’s experts. This time we asked Iryna Lysychkina, and Aura Codreanu about their experience in the area of distance learning.
Question 1.
How do you promote student engagement and interaction in a distance learning environment, and what strategies have you found to be most effective?
We strongly believe that a DL environment is suitable for active and interactive learning that aligns with adult learning principles and student-centered learning. All the methods we use during our synchronous and asynchronous sessions are from the paradigm of active learning. This helps to motivate the learners to become active contributors to the sessions success. As educators, we strive to create an environment that fosters curiosity, exploration, and lifelong learning. Critical thinking based approach, group work, peer feedback and instructors’ consolidation via reflection, sharing best practices as a result of group diversity in the DL environment are but a few of the means we employ.
Question 2.
What advice would you give to instructors who are new to distance learning and are looking to design and deliver effective online courses?
Firstly, we strongly believe in the community of practice, and the idea of learning from each other. If you teach online, complete several online courses, share best practices and ideas.Another thing that newcomers to the field of DL is that there are a lot of learning opportunities resulting from well-designed interactions with DL participants.Secondly, we would recommend to follow a six-step strategy:Familiarize yourself with the technology, namely LMS and video conferencing system you will use. This will help you to navigate the platform efficiently and create effective online courses.Plan ahead, be flexible, and have your Plan B to stay organized and focused on the learning of the session/course.Engage your learners by using a variety of learning methods and multimedia resources.Provide clear instructions and expectations. Revisit those if case may be.Give feedback and support and engage the other learners in doing that, too.Continuously review, evaluate, and improve your course.
Question 3.
Can you describe a particularly successful distance learning program that you have designed or implemented, and what made it successful?
Both of us design and conduct online faculty development programs within NATO DEEP in many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. We believe our programs are successful because we tailor them to the needs of the institutions, and design them on the principles of interaction, adult learning, and student-centered learning.We are also proud facilitators of the e-ICP DL Methodology Module where we are able to use interactive methods for synchronous and asynchronous sessions to ensure our participants’ active contribution, best practices, and experience sharing.
Question 4. How do you determine the most effective instructional methods, activities, and tools to use in a distance learning environment, and what factors do you consider when making those decisions?
No matter offline or online, learning methods are selected according to learning outcomes and assessment tools to be used during the session. A number of factors influence the choice: audience, time, hidden curriculum, materials, resources, internet connection, etc. Participants’ engagement along with their proven ability to meet the learning outcome are important indicators of effectiveness.