随着越来越多的各个年龄段的人使用互联网(Internet)上课，在线教育越来越受欢迎。
参加课程或在线大学课程(online college course)为那些因家庭和工作义务而正在寻找替代学习方式的学生提供了更多的机会。
远程教学需要准备并知道要使用哪些工具以及如何使用它们来教授在线课程。
规划、设计和教学(Planning, Designing, and Teaching)
学习如何教授或创建在线课程(create an online course)需要与课堂教学不同的技能和过程。
为不在您面前的学生开设的课程需要更高级的准备。虚拟学生的需求与课堂上的学生不同。
规划(Planning)
- 了解(Know)您的学生是谁，围绕他们的需求和知识水平开发课程材料
- 定义学习目标
- 创建一致的课程结构
- 通过包括课程信息、所需材料、目标、教师联系信息和评分政策来定义教学大纲
- 概述(Outline)每周计划，包括必读、演示、作业和测试
- 计划在线讲座和讨论
设计(Designing)
- 制作课程内容，包括PowerPoint 演示文稿(PowerPoint presentations)和视频教程
- 组织课程和讲座
- 创建(Create)引人入胜的活动和内容
- 录制讲座
教学(Teaching)
- 使用(Use)Skype , Zoom , Google Classroom等工具或您正在使用的学习管理系统(Learning Management Systems)( LMS ) 中包含的软件来增强学生协作和在线讨论
- 随时待命并与您的学生联系
- 鼓励学生互动
- 定期(Hold)举行讨论会和问答环节
在课程开始前向学生提供您的教学大纲和课程资料。让他们查看您的材料、截止日期和其他要求是否符合他们的日程安排并满足他们的需求。
工具、设备和软件(Tools, Equipment, and Software)
您必须拥有可靠的计算机和强大的Internet连接。在技术方面，有很多选择可供选择。
请记住，您选择的LMS可能包括下面列出的一些第三方工具。
- 视频会议（Zoom、Google Hangouts 或 Skype）
- 在线协作（Google Docs、Padlet或Scribblar）
- 演示文稿（PowerPoint、Google 幻灯片(Google Slides)或Prezi）
- 文件共享平台（Google Drive、Dropbox或OpenDrive）
- 测试和评分（Google Forms、Survey Monkey或Kahoot）
- 截屏软件（Screencast-O-Matic、Jing或Camtasia）
截屏软件(Screen Capture Software)
创建在线课程时，屏幕捕获软件是必不可少的。它使您能够在屏幕上向学生展示您正在做的事情。
Screencast-O-Matic 是市场上最强大、免费或价格合理的屏幕捕获工具之一。
免费版本允许您：
- 录制网络摄像头或屏幕
- 修剪录音
- 保存到您的桌面
- 分享到Facebook、Twitter或Google 课堂(Google Classroom)
- 录制全屏或窗口
- 添加字幕
- 录制时放大
- 从 30 首音乐曲目中进行选择(Choose)以添加到您的视频中
- 发布到 Screencast-O-Matic 和 YouTube
两个升级版本提供增强的功能，例如编辑和品牌。Deluxe选项为每月 1.65 美元（按年计费），Premier版本(Premier)为每月 4.00 美元（按年计费）。该产品不仅价格合理，而且使用起来也非常简单。
要开始使用免费版本，请转到Screencast-O-Matic主页并单击蓝色按钮，上面写着“开始免费录制”(Start recording for free)。
这将带您进入屏幕录像机页面。
单击(Click)橙色按钮以启动免费录音机。按钮上方会出现一个小框，让您知道记录器正在启动。
启动应用程序将在弹出窗口中打开。
单击打开链接(Open Link)，您将在屏幕上看到记录器。
在“记录”框中(Record box)，选择记录您的屏幕、网络摄像头或两者。免费版的最长录制时间为 15 分钟。如果您需要制作更长的视频，可以点击蓝色链接进行升级。
从选项中选择录制的视频大小或使用向上和向下箭头。
您还可以通过拖动录制窗口的侧面或角落来调整视频的大小。
旁白(Narration)设置向您显示 Screencast-O-Matic 自动检测为安装在您的计算机上的标准麦克风。
(Computer Audio)免费版的计算机音频仅捕获您的口语旁白。如果您想从您的计算机录制任何额外的背景声音，您将需要升级。
单击首选项(Preferences )以个性化您的设置。
当你准备好录制时，点击红色按钮。您会注意到 3 秒倒计时。
您正在录制屏幕的位置周围的框架将从黑色虚线变为红色，表示录制已开始。
如果您想专注于屏幕的不同部分，请点击暂停，移动视频帧，然后再次单击录制(Record)以继续。
完成录制后，单击完成(Done)。Screencast-O-Matic 会将您重定向到视频管理器。
使用免费的录像机，您可以通过将底部的条拖到所需的长度来修剪视频的开头或结尾。
编辑功能仅在升级版本中可用。您可以在免费版本中使用的其他选项包括：
- 重做：删除并重新开始
- 取消录制并删除
- (Add)通过上传字幕文件，在发布过程中为您的视频添加字幕
- 保存并发布
- 在计算机上另存为视频文件(Save As Video File )（MP4、AVI 或 FLV）
- 连接帐户后直接上传到YouTube
- 在您的帐户中保存 Screencast-O-Matic 托管服务，并获得一个链接以分享您的录音
托管您的在线课程的平台(Platforms to Host Your Online Courses)
在线(Online)课程平台是一种学习管理系统 ( LMS )，可为用户提供访问数字课程的权限。
在选择在线课程教学的最佳平台时，请寻找与您使用的其他工具完美集成的LMS 。
您希望能够创建课程内容、有效地组织它并将其交付给您的学生。以下(Below)是一些比较流行的在线课程平台。
Thinkific是一个强大的一体化平台，具有电子邮件营销工具、会员网站集成和出色的客户支持等功能。
其他功能包括：
- 添加(Add)多种内容类型，包括文本、PDF(PDFs)、视频、测验和调查
- 通过内置的课程播放器提供内容
- 创建社区论坛
- 颁发证书
- 创建(Create)在线课程和学习路径
- 使用拖放编辑器自定义外观
Teachable非常适合初学者，是一个优秀的在线课程教学平台。
它使您可以轻松上传内容、自定义在线课堂的外观并与学生互动。
Udemy是最受欢迎的在线课程平台之一。
它提供了一个讲师支持团队来帮助您学习如何准备在线课程。这包括资源中心、点对点支持小组和其他在线教师社区。
还有几个免费和开源的 LMS 平台(free and open-source LMS platforms)可用于在线教学和一系列高质量的儿童电子学习应用程序(e-learning apps for kids)。如上所述，学习如何教授在线课程是一个多方面的过程。这不仅仅是向网站添加网络研讨会。
提供优质课程包括设定明确的目标和目标、使用正确的技术、制定合理的教学策略、鼓励学生参与，以及包括支持您的目标和目标的相关材料。
How To Teach An Online Course
Online education is growing in popularity aѕ more peоplе of all ages are using the Internet to take classes.
Taking classes or an online college course provides increased access to students who are looking for alternative ways to learn due to family and work obligations.
Teaching remotely requires preparation and knowing which tools to use and how to use them to teach an online course.
Planning, Designing, and Teaching
Learning how to teach or create an online course requires different skills and processes than teaching in a classroom.
Courses for students who are not physically in front of you requires more advanced preparation. Virtual students have different needs than those in a classroom.
Planning
- Know who your students are to develop course material around their needs and knowledge level
- Define learning objectives
- Create a consistent course structure
- Define the syllabus by including course information, required materials, objectives, instructor contact information, and grading policies
- Outline weekly schedules including required reading, presentations, assignments, and testing
- Plan online lectures and discussions
Designing
- Produce course content including PowerPoint presentations and video tutorials
- Organize lessons and lectures
- Create engaging activities and content
- Record lectures
Teaching
- Use technology to enhance student collaboration and online discussions with tools such as Skype, Zoom, Google Classroom, or the software included with the Learning Management Systems (LMS) you are using
- Be available to and connect with your students
- Encourage student interaction
- Hold regularly scheduled discussions and question and answer sessions
Provide your syllabus and course materials to students before the course begins. Allow them to see if your materials, deadlines, and other requirements fit into their schedules and meet their needs.
Tools, Equipment, and Software
You must have a reliable computer and a strong Internet connection. When it comes to technology, there are many options from which to choose.
Keep in mind that the LMS you choose may include some of the third-party tools listed below.
- Videoconferencing (Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Skype)
- Online collaboration (Google Docs, Padlet, or Scribblar)
- Presentation (PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Prezi)
- File sharing platforms (Google Drive, Dropbox, or OpenDrive)
- Testing and grading (Google Forms, Survey Monkey, or Kahoot)
- Screen capture software (Screencast-O-Matic, Jing, or Camtasia)
Screen Capture Software
Screen capture software is essential when you are creating online courses. It enables you to show what you are doing on your screen to your students.
Screencast-O-Matic is one of the most robust and free or reasonably priced screen capture tools on the market.
The free version allows you to:
- Record the webcam or screen
- Trim recordings
- Save to your desktop
- Share to Facebook, Twitter, or Google Classroom
- Record full screen or window
- Add captions
- Zoom in while recording
- Choose from 30 music tracks to add to your video
- Publish to Screencast-O-Matic and YouTube
Two upgraded versions offer enhanced functionality, such as editing and branding. The Deluxe option is $1.65/month (billed yearly), and the Premier version is $4.00/month (billed yearly). Not only is this product reasonably priced, but it’s also very simple to use.
To start using the free version, go to the Screencast-O-Matic home page and click on the blue button that says Start recording for free.
This will take you to the screen recorder page.
Click on the orange button to launch the free recorder. A little box will appear over the button to let you know the recorder is launching.
The launch application will open in a pop-up window.
Click Open Link and you’ll see the recorder on your screen.
In the Record box, choose to record your screen, webcam, or both. The maximum recording time for the free version is 15 minutes. If you need to create a longer video, you can upgrade by clicking the blue link.
Select the video size for your recording from the options or use the up and down arrows.
You can also adjust the size of the video by dragging the sides or the corner of the recording window.
The Narration setting shows you the standard microphones Screencast-O-Matic automatically detects as installed on your computer.
Computer Audio for the free version only captures your speaking narration. If you want to record any additional background sounds from your computer, you will need to upgrade.
Click on Preferences to personalize your settings.
When you are ready to record, hit the red button. You will notice a 3-second countdown.
The frame around where you are recording the screen will turn from a dotted black line to a red one to indicate that the recording has started.
If you want to focus on a different part of your screen, hit pause, move the video frame, and click Record again to continue.
When you are finished recording, click Done. Screencast-O-Matic will redirect you to the video manager.
With the free recorder, you can trim the start or end of your video by dragging the bars at the bottom to the desired length.
The editing feature is only available in the upgraded version. Other options you have access to in the free version include:
- Redo: delete and start over
- Cancel the recording and delete it
- Add captions to your videos during the publishing process by uploading a captions file
- Save and publish
- Save As Video File on your computer (MP4, AVI, or FLV)
- Upload directly to YouTube once you connect your account
- Save on Screencast-O-Matic hosting services in your account and get a link to share your recording
Platforms to Host Your Online Courses
Online course platforms are types of learning management systems (LMS) that provide users with access to digital classes.
When choosing the best platform for teaching online classes, look for an LMS that integrates well with other tools you use.
You want to be able to create course content, organize it efficiently, and deliver it to your students. Below are a few of the more popular online course platforms.
Thinkific is a robust all-in-one platform with features such as email marketing tools, membership site integration, and excellent customer support.
Other features include:
- Add multiple content types including text, PDFs, videos, quizzes, and surveys
- Deliver content through the inbuilt course player
- Create a community forum
- Issue certificates
- Create an online course and learning paths
- Customize appearance with its drag and drop editor
Teachable is well-suited for beginners and an excellent teaching platform for online courses.
It lets you easily upload your content, customize the look of your online classroom, and engage with your students.
Udemy is one of the most popular online course platforms.
It offers an instructor support team to help you learn how to prepare an online course. This includes a resource center, a peer-to-peer support group, and a community of other online teachers.
There are also several free and open-source LMS platforms available for online teaching and a range of high-quality e-learning apps for kids. Learning how to teach an online course is a multifaceted process, as described above. It’s much more than just adding a webinar to a website.
Providing quality courses includes setting clear objectives and goals, using the right technology, having sound instructional strategies, encouraging student engagement, and including relevant materials that support your goals and objectives.
