With the increasing popularity of online education, due to advancing technologies and an increase in funding for universities to offer distance learning, the role of the teacher, instructor, or lecturer in modern higher education is certainly changing. But with a greater input of technology upon a student’s education, is the competency and overall quality of the teacher becoming less important?

In his essay, Distance Learning: Promises, Problems, and Possibilities (2002), Doug Valentine describes, ‘instructors and their attitudes towards teaching in a distance-learning environment as a major potential roadblock to effective distance education,’ because, ‘the instructor can set the tone for learning in the educational environment.’ In response to this, it therefore seems of great importance, aside from having the knowledge to utilize the technology for the delivery of education, that he/she must also be eager and confident by his new means for teaching. Following this idea, The University of Florida also published a paper entitled A Teachers Guide To Distance Learning (1995). This essay calls for distance learning technology to ‘be as invisible as possible,’ endorsing the notion that it is simply a means or “tool” on offer to aid the delivery of education.

A problem highlighted by Valentine is noticeable here. There are two differing opinions as to what is the exact purpose of distance learning. The first, as stated by Schlosser and Anderson in 1994, is to offer ‘an experience as much like that of traditional, face-to-face instruction as possible. Whilst the second opinion, that of Bates (1995), is that ‘it should be used to improve instruction.’ Depending on which of the above is to be adopted by the institution, it seems that the quality, competency, and connection between teacher and student should be of the utmost importance for the former. However, if a better education system is required than that of the traditional form, then the position and actions of the instructor may be quite different.

For a distance learning course to be more successful than a traditional learning programme, it seems that the role of the teacher should be more in line with the instruction of The University of Florida. For example, the UoF highlights four adaptations, the first is to establish ‘effective strategies for implementing small group activities and individual practice.’ The second is to hone ‘techniques for maximizing teacher/student and student/student interactions.’ The third is to establish ’successful approaches for integrating technology into the teaching/learning process. And the final method for adaptation is to implement ‘tactics for motivating students at a distance.’

The role of the distance learning instructor is no doubt changing in comparison to that of the traditional lecturer. However, where an institution is seen to be implementing the most radical changes and newest technologies, today’s distance learning instructor has as much accountability to his students, and a further responsibility to the future advancement of education in general.

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Filling out scholarship applications can be very frustrating and confusing. Every scholarship has different requirements and different deadlines. It is difficult enough to finish just one college application let alone fill out several scholarship applications.

But don’t worry! I have a few tips that will help you get through the process a lot smoother.

Read The Applications carefully

Every scholarship is different. Unfortunately no two applications have the same requirements. One application may ask for 1000 word essay while another one may ask for a 500 word essay. That’s why it is so important to read and get a full understanding of what is required before you submit your application. Otherwise it will be discarded and you would have wasted precious time.

Prepare, prepare, prepare.

Have you ever heard the statement “proper preparation prevents poor performance”? The 5 P’s. This could not be further from the truth. You see, if you are smart, and I know you are, you will be applying for several scholarships in the hope of possibly going to school absolutely free. You don’t want to wait until the last minute and throw together an essay or personal statement. Prepare in advance. Practice your personal statement. I would recommend you start doing scholarship research and start writing the rough draft of your personal statement 6 months before the deadline. Take time out a few times a week to work on it. This is very important stuff. These companies look at thousands of applications a day. You want to make sure yours stands out.

Work within the space you are given

By this I mean do not use continuation sheets on your scholarship applications. They give you specific requirements for a reason. If they say 1000 words keep it at 1000 words. This is why it is so important to prepare. List only what is important for that particular application. If you have extra space after you do that then you can add in some extra stuff.

Give them what they want

Always give the provider of the scholarship exactly what they are asking for. If they are looking for someone with leadership skills then give them an example of your leadership skills. If they want someone with excellent writing skills then show that to them in your application. Use your personality traits to your advantage.

Explain why you want to study a particular subject

Many mess up on this step. They fail to give a logical reason why they want to study a particular subject. There has to be a reason why you chose your major of choice. Relay this in your application.

Proofread

Before you mail off your application make sure you proofread it. Have someone else proofread it as well. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can catch something you might not. Make sure you are getting your message across very clear. If it passes the 2 proofreads mail it off and believe for the best.

Finding money for college can be a very daunting and tedious task. For more articles, tips and information on scholarships and grants for college visit How To Get Free Money For College

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Managing an online course using a course management system can be a daunting task for teachers. One area of concern for teachers is how to handle online tests and other assessments. Teachers using a course management system for assessments have several options and this article will cover tips and suggestions for making an online assessment go smoothly.

Have Clearly Written Instructions for Online Tests and Assessments

When a teacher develops an online test in a course management system, they need to be sure they have provided clear instructions. Students need to know when the test will take place and how long they will have to take the test. If the online assessment has a firm deadline penalties for not meeting that deadline need to be expressed to the students.

Teachers need to inform students as to the format of the test. It is important that online students know whether the test will be multiple choice, short answer, or essay as this helps them better prepare.

Teachers also need to let online students know what materials they can use for the online test. This could include their textbook, notes, formulas or whatever materials they might need to refer to for the online test.

Students Need Timely and Meaningful Feedback in Online Assessments

For a teacher using a course management system there are many ways to provide feedback. Most course management systems have methods built into their systems that allows online assessments to be automatically graded. Those grades distributed to the online students as soon as student complete their test. This sort of prompt feedback loop is important to the online learning process.

The most easily given feedback is simply providing a grade, but students want, and expect, so much more. Providing meaningful feedback in an online course is crucial for online students. Online teachers need to go the extra mile and provide individual comments for students on online assessments. This feedback could take the place through methods provided in the course management system or through email. Most course management systems also have the ability to provide question-by-question feedback. Teachers should use this feature to re-direct students to areas of content they missed on the online test.

With a mastery-based assignment students will need to be able to re-submit their projects several times. Prompt and detailed feedback will help students meet the demands of a mastery-based assignments.

Teachers also need to find ways to accommodate students with disabilities when they take online tests. This could mean providing the online assessment through a certified testing center with a qualified assistance available for these students.

Designing and delivering online tests and assessments can be challenging. Using the built-in tools of a course management system, including an online testing tool and automatic feedback through an online grade book, can make the process easier. Even with the assistance of these tools, the online teacher still needs to provide clear instructions and give their students prompt, personal, and meaningful feedback.

Susan Bond is a part of IQ-ity.com - provider of a top-rated Learning Management System for schools seeking to teach courses online. IQity’s LMS includes an online study guide for the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT). Ohio teachers can add a product review of OGT practice tools and help other teachers.

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