In addition to rich content knowledge, effective teachers also possess strong communication skills. This holds true regardless of whether instruction is delivered in a traditional classroom, online classroom, or blended setting. When transitioning to an online classroom setting, teachers can rely on strategies honed for the face-to-face classroom but must also develop additional strategies to compensate for the lack of non-verbal communication cues.
This 10-hour module introduces a variety of considerations around communication and leads teachers to develop models of communication that can be used in their online classroom. Teachers will reflect on personal strengths and challenges in written communication, consider integration of audio/video communication in their online classroom, explore the importance of teacher presence in online classrooms, differentiate between academic and non-academic community building in online classrooms, and develop activities that encourage community building in their online classroom.
This module is intended for classroom-based educators with limited experience in online teaching who are making a transition to online or blended learning in preparation for potential school closures in the 2020/2021 academic year.
This module is part of a series of professional learning opportunities focused on critical skills online teachers must develop. The series of modules will run throughout the summer months and include these topics:
Module 1: Communication Strategies for Online Classrooms;
Module 2: Meaningful Discussions in Online Classrooms;
Module 3: Feedback and Assessment in Online Classrooms;
Module 4: Meeting Varied Learner Needs in Online Classrooms;
Participants who complete all activities will receive a certificate of completion for 10 hours of professional learning in the area of digital learning and online instruction.
VHS Learning is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide professional development in the areas of Instructional Technology/Digital Learning. Massachusetts teachers who complete this module will receive a certificate indicating they have earned 10 PDPs in the area of digital learning.
The cost for this module is $225 per participant. Participants who enroll in all 4 modules are eligible for a reduced enrollment cost of $200 per module.