About Your Instructor
Most instructors of online courses at the University of Connecticut have taught before in classroom settings. In fact, some instructors begin teaching fully online courses after they have introduced some online components into their face-to-face classes (blended course). Moving to a fully online course from a blended one is often an easy transition for them.
As you will quickly discover, your online instructor is an expert in his or her field of study. Your instructor, however, also needs to be able to function in many roles and perform many tasks during your course. Although not all instructors will be doing everything included on this list, he or she may be responsible for
- selecting content for the course;
- determining how to present information;
- selecting learning objectives;
- checking to see if you are gaining knowledge and skills;
- facilitating online discussions;
- clarifying confusing points;
- encouraging you to take an active role in your learning;
- helping you access additional resources if you need them;
- assisting you with simple technical support; and
- sharing his or her enthusiasm and knowledge about the course content.
Communicating with Your Instructor
Your instructor expects you to be an active participant in his or her online course. Your instructor also anticipates that you will have questions from time to time.
It is your responsibility, however, to let your instructor know when you need assistance or clarifications. You must be proactive and appropriately persistent. In an online course, respectful communication with your instructor is encouraged and expected.
View Contacting Your Instructor for specific guidelines.
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Myth |
- Online instructors rarely communicate with students.
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Reality Check |
- Online instructors often communicate frequently, even more so than those instructors in classrooms.
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Tell Me More... |
- Your instructor should provide an introductory message that talks about his/her background.
- You should receive prompt responses to e-mails, but be realistic--your instructor is not online every minute of every day.
- You should be provided with feedback and comments about assignments you complete.
- Your instructor should be involved as appropriate in discussions--to clarify points, to redirect the focus as needed, to add interesting insights, or to ensure that netiquette is being followed.
- Your instructor should have posted times when you can contact him/her with questions or if you need assistance regarding matters that are personal and not appropriate to share with the entire class.
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