# Teach Online ![[Assets/32f2f04c8f904cd26d10bffb8db4526b_MD5.jpg]] ## Metadata - Author: [[Jeanette S. Cates]] - Full Title: Teach Online - Category: #books ## Highlights - The Rule of Three Any time you encounter a new process, whether it's in course development or any other topic, it's a good idea to ask yourself: Will I use this technique more than 3 times? If the answer is yes, then it's worth your time to learn it. If the answer is no, then hire someone else to do it for you. ([Location 101](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=101)) - Here's an easy documentation process to follow: 1. As you are learning a new task, write down the steps as you understand them. 2. The second time you do the task, follow your outline, only referring to the original learning materials as needed. Add to or edit your outline to clarify points, as needed. 3. The third time you do the task, you are ready to rely solely on your task outline. To truly test it, have someone else use your outline to accomplish the task. ([Location 113](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=113)) - Templates are huge time-savers because they ensure you do not have to start from scratch each time. ([Location 123](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=123)) - The overriding question as you look at each topic on your course outline is "How can I best teach this information so that my students will learn it? ([Location 148](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=148)) - Producing a full course of instructional materials can take a long time. Consider your typical semester-long course. It takes about 16 weeks to create! ([Location 158](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=158)) - When you follow the recommendations to use templates and focus on one type of task at a time, you will begin to accumulate your own models for rapid development. You can use these models repeatedly so that you can quickly produce courses and materials with less stress and more efficiency. ([Location 168](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=168)) - 1. Create all of your slide outlines as the first step. ([Location 173](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=173)) - 2. Add all of the illustrations to your slides. ([Location 176](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=176)) - 3. Record all of your videos. ([Location 179](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=179)) - Again, this will ensure you are using the same settings for your videos. Your voice will be the same, since they are recorded back-to-back. ([Location 179](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=179)) - 4. Edit and render each of your videos. ([Location 182](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=182)) - 5. Upload all of your videos. ([Location 186](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=186)) - 6. Or while the videos are uploading you can produce all of your handouts. ([Location 188](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=188)) - You can see that this type of production process gives you speed through specialization. ([Location 190](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=190)) - In general, most online courses are released in stages. Likewise, they are developed in stages in a model we often refer to as "spiral development. ([Location 199](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=199)) - With the spiral development model, you develop the first version of all of the materials. Then you go back and upgrade all of the materials to the second level. ([Location 201](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=201)) - In general, online course development is the ideal environment for spiral development. ([Location 219](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=219)) - What does this mean to you as a new course developer? It means you don't have to be perfect. It is better to release something that you feel good about, rather than wait for it to be perfect. ([Location 220](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=220)) - Why a text processor for writing? Because I don't have to argue with it! You see, when you use a word processing program, it wants to correct your spelling, edit your grammar and format your document - all while you're trying to create content! ([Location 292](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=292)) - But a text processor ONLY writes. No bold. No formatting. No arguments. By remaining on the creative side of my brain I am able to write much faster than if I were going back and forth between writing and editing. ([Location 294](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=294)) - Once I have the words in the form I want, I copy and paste all of the text into the word processor. Then I can focus 100% on formatting and editing. ([Location 296](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=296)) - Quick Tip for Camtasia: I often use PowerPoint to outline the audios I want to record. Then I click through the slides as I am recording in Camtasia. This keeps me on track with what I'm talking about and since I'm recording with screen capture, I can see what I was talking about as I am editing. It’s another big time-saver. ([Location 405](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=405)) - While 30 percent of students are auditory learners, 65 percent are not. That means that in addition to providing the audio, it's a good idea to provide a transcript in written form. ([Location 426](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=426)) - As with on-camera video, you want to record in HD, at 1280x720, in order to “future proof” your videos. ([Location 490](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=490)) - Most course platforms now request the HD video in 1280x720. This size fits on computer screens, as well as tablets and Smartphones. ([Location 511](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=511)) - Since students in online courses use all of these devices to connect and watch course videos, you want to create your videos in that format to start. ([Location 512](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=512)) - In general provide written materials when it's your students' preferred mode of learning or when there is a lot of detailed information that they need to refer to. ([Location 546](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=546)) - The second reason I start with a checklist is that students love them! They like to see a clear path to the end result. They like to check off their progress as they go. Including checklists in your courses can often make the difference in prospective students choosing your course over another. ([Location 577](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=577)) - However, any time you are teaching a process or procedure that needs to be followed, you can make it easier for the student by providing a job aid. A job aid (or a step sheet as it is sometimes called) is a step-by-step procedure, often ([Location 583](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=583)) - with illustrations of the process. ([Location 585](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=585)) - Encourage students to print job aids and have them sitting next to them as they watch the video or listen to the audio. ([Location 588](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=588)) - How does a job aid differ from a checklist? Generally a checklist is merely a list of tasks that are checked off as completed. A job aid is the "how-to" for each task. ([Location 591](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=591)) - A worksheet is a good tool for an online course because it makes the learning three-dimensional. When a student prints a worksheet and writes on it, it brings the learning into the "real" world. ([Location 593](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=593)) - This is one of the easiest types of items to provide. It is merely a list of resources from the module, often combined with the URL where each item can be located. ([Location 599](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=599)) - Questions give you valuable insight into the topics on which students get stuck. These insights may lead you to create additional instructional materials while still answering the questions. ([Location 611](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=611)) - Here are several tips that will improve your written materials. ([Location 617](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=617)) - 1. Use templates. ([Location 618](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=618)) - 2. Brand each page with your name and URL in the footer. ([Location 620](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=620)) - 4. Add back pages (about the author, related resources) to your reports. ([Location 625](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=625)) - 5. Use hyperlinks in written documents that are designed to be read online. ([Location 626](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=626)) - 6. Break up larger documents into smaller documents for easy reference as students are going through a module. ([Location 628](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=628)) - 7. Combine smaller documents into a large document so that students only need to download and print one document for offline reference and printing. ([Location 631](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=631)) - There are several instances in which you want to be sure to include audio materials. ([Location 645](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=645)) - Audio provides an advantage when your target student population is mobile. ([Location 646](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=646)) - Audio is frequently used for interviews that are included in the course materials, either as primary instruction or as enhancements. ([Location 648](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=648)) - In general provide audio materials when it's your students' preferred mode of learning or when you want to share information that can be learned away from the computer. ([Location 650](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=650)) - If you are presenting your main lesson content via video, then it's an easy matter to strip the audio from the video production. Then you can provide the audio as a downloadable file or as a separate player file. ([Location 666](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=666)) - If your lessons are primarily written, consider recording an audio version of the lesson. While it will add some development time, it will also provide a richer learning environment. ([Location 668](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=668)) - Frequently Asked Questions are one of the easiest formats to put into audio. When you receive a question, turn on your audio recorder, read the question, then answer it. All you need to do then is to save the audio and upload it to the course site. ([Location 673](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=673)) - It's always a good idea to provide a transcript for any type of audio recording. This allows those learners who process information written information to consume this in their preferred mode. ([Location 678](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=678)) - Guest interviews can enhance the course content by allowing you to bring in outside experts. This adds to the richness of the course content, while exposing students to experts in the field. ([Location 682](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=682)) - If you know of people who would be good to interview for your current course, begin listing them. You may not have time to interview them before you launch the course, but you can add the interviews at any time. ([Location 688](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=688)) - Student interviews are a good way to get testimonials for your course, since students are able to show off what they have achieved as a result of your course. ([Location 700](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=700)) - If you are doing student interviews, it's a good idea to have a preset list of questions that you ask. This enables students to prepare their answers in advance, so they are less nervous about what you will ask. It also lets listeners easily compare answers from multiple subjects. ([Location 703](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=703)) - A good model for a standard set of questions is that asked by James Lipton on "Inside the Actor's Studio." ([Location 705](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=705)) - One thing to keep in mind for all interviews is getting permission from the person being interviewed. You can either record their agreement at the start of the interview or get it in writing prior to the interview. ([Location 711](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=711)) - Regardless of the reason for providing the CDs, keep this option in mind. After all, you already have the audio. Now it's merely a matter of producing the CD! ([Location 736](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=736)) - Here are three sources for affordable CD production: CreateSpace, DiscDelivered, and Kunaki. Services and capabilities change rapidly so compare these when you are ready to publish your CDs. ([Location 738](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=738)) - Teaching online is the same thing as teaching live in a classroom. While you might re-listen to your lesson multiple times, students generally only listen once - and accept you for being human. You should do the same. ([Location 759](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=759)) - Generally video has a higher perceived value than either written or audio-based materials so many people choose to learn it in order to produce online courses that are more valued. ([Location 776](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=776)) - As with the creation of all of your learning materials, you want to ask the primary question "How can I best teach this information so that my students will learn it?" ([Location 778](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=778)) - Because most students are visual learners (about 65% of the population), video is the preferred learning method for many students. ([Location 783](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=783)) - If you provide video-based instruction only, your students need to go back over the video repeatedly in order to grasp details. Therefore when providing video, include additional learning materials that will make learning easier. ([Location 788](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=788)) - On-camera video often provides the sense of a closer connection to the presenter. So you may want to provide a few videos in which you appear on camera. ([Location 792](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=792)) - These are particularly effective as a course welcome video or when dealing with a personal topic or encouragement. ([Location 793](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=793)) - Recall also the recommendation that you create all of the slides for the course before you start recording. Again, this lets you sort content into the right order, as well as ensures you cover all of the content built into your course design. ([Location 856](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=856)) - Finally, plan to provide a copy of your slides to your students. Many students prefer printing a copy of the slides and taking notes on those as they watch the presentation. For this reason, I generally print the slides to a PDF, using the 3 slides to a page format, with the lines to the right. It's a familiar format and an easy one to create as a written materials component for the video-based learning. ([Location 858](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=858)) - For the print media aspect of a screen demonstration, you will want to provide either a job aid or a checklist so that students can replicate the process without having to replay the video. ([Location 887](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B00EDOLTPO&location=887))