The spread of the coronavirus has forced colleges and universities to turn to emergency distance education, but online education is not new to everyone: many instructors were already teaching online long before the crisis global health.
In addition to being able to discuss the strengths and challenges of online education, these instructors can help students leverage their online learning experience to land better jobs and succeed in their chosen field.
For this article, we interviewed Marcus Ellis, an online data science instructor, to learn more about the online learning process, including its greatest strengths, what students can expect in online courses and the value of training. reports.
What are the main benefits of online learning in your views?
I think there are two big things. One is the flexibility of the schedule. This comes with a certain level of discipline, because you have to decide when you are going to watch the conference, when you are going to log in and read the content, and when you are going to do what is described in the program. If you miss something, you can easily go back and watch the recorded lectures again.
Everything is packed for you in an online program. It’s just a matter of discipline when you go in, check the material and find out how you will apply it to any task.
The other part is that online learning opens up a much wider network, allowing you to meet people from all walks of life. Although it is not uncommon to find students across the country, you can have military students who are stationed in the Middle East or Africa.
Have you encountered difficulties with teaching online courses?
I think the biggest challenge is helping students understand that they have to focus on programming and stay on top of their work because they don’t have to go to class with homework; it is simply a date that has been published.
Especially for students who are just starting out online, they might think, “Well, this deadline is only in the future.” But in the end, it’s up to you to know when to start working on the task and to make sure you have enough time to complete it.
For novice students in online courses, this involves creating a timetable, spending time with the portal, and the program and consulting your own personal calendar.
Whether you have a job, a family, or a concert or an upcoming vacation, you need to know when you are going to spend time on your schoolwork. Once a student has done this for two or three online lessons, that’s when I usually see them start playing rhythm.
Do you think you were able to build personal relationships with your students online?
Absolutely. I always get emails from students who want help with a project they are doing for their work or who want a referral for a job or a graduate school. I know personally, being myself seated in his seat, how important it is to be able to contact your instructor, especially for homework.
If you faced an obstacle and cannot advance until you have answered a question, please contact your teacher.
If you encounter an obstacle and cannot proceed until you have received an answer, please contact your teacher. I give the students my cell phone number and tell them to text me or take a screenshot if they get stuck on something.
I also encourage students to keep my contact details. Just because the lessons are over doesn’t mean we can’t stay in touch. I always get questions from former students who ask me various things. It is rewarding and enjoyable to see what they do after the course or program is over.
Are your online students mainly working and career-changing professionals, or are they more traditional students?
I rarely see traditional students. Most, if not all, of my students, are active professionals. They are employed and are looking for new skills to add to their current role, or are looking to move on.