What it Means to Be an Online Educator

The tradition of traditional college teaching has remained fairly constant over time. This environment requires instructors to follow the same teaching standards that have remained relatively unchanged. A college professor is often associated with someone who is a subject expert. This person is likely to attain a position with tenure and will have dual roles as an instructor or researcher. They are expected to be published authors in peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles, and have contributed knowledge to the field. This form of education and instructor exists still, but there is now an online college/university.

It is unlikely that you will find a position as a professor in the modern world of online education. Online universities usually employ adjuncts. Some refer to their instructors and facilitators as “facilitators”. While universities may expect instructors to attend annual professional education, few institutions require them to publish peer-reviewed journals articles. The new breed of educator that meets the needs and wants of modern students is what is most needed. Online universities need to embrace the modern educator, and this is the moment for them to do so.

From traditional to online teaching

The lecture-driven class is still the best way to teach students. The lecture-driven class is where the instructor provides information to students. Students must also demonstrate their learning through various assessments. They are confident that their professor or instructor has a deep understanding of the topic area they are learning. This style of teaching is similar to that used in primary education. It is teacher-centered. Technology has created new opportunities in education. This led to the development of online courses and online degree programs. These courses were originally taught by traditional educators. But, over time, that has changed a lot as adjuncts took the majority of the instructional positions. With online degree programs and online schools being established in the education sector, there was a need for a new type educator.

Modern Teaching

There was a need to employ a large number of instructors as online learning has grown. Online universities may offer classes that start every week, while others have courses that begin monthly. It was the best way to teach undergraduate students. The majority of teaching jobs required adjuncts. As a result, the number of teachers who are qualified to teach online has increased substantially. Many adjunct jobs require a doctorate. There has been an increase in online instructors due to fluctuation in enrollments and limited online instructor positions. Also, there have been more degree specializations related to online teaching. There are many online schools offering online teaching specializations. The pool also includes students who have completed their masters degree. There are about two million online instructors that teach adjunct courses.

You may need to continue your education in order to teach online. A majority of online universities require annual professional development. This requirement is usually met by online universities that offer training courses or workshops. While publishing scholarly journal can help fulfill professional development requirements, many schools do not require it. This is also a difference from a college professor in that they can present themselves in the classroom. An online instructor is sometimes called a facilitator, but rarely is the position called a professor. Some instructors will however refer to themselves in this way to indicate their position in the learning process. Many instructors at online universities advise their students to use their first names in order to create a casual and approachable image, even if they hold a doctorate.

An Example for a Modern Educator

There are many different types of online educators. There are master’s-level teachers who can also teach undergraduate courses. And there are doctoral students who can simultaneously teach undergraduate and graduate classes. It is possible that schools offering doctoral degrees have a standard for publishing the instructors in a way similar to that of college professors. A new standard is needed. Online educators must not have traditional teaching methods. Modern educators is a new type or category of teacher.

My education has evolved from traditional college teaching into online teaching. Today, I am a Modern Teacher. Instead of trying to publish in scholarly journals for months (or even longer), I publish online articles. Instead of my work being restricted to those who have read and access scholarly journals only, I now have the possibility to reach a wider audience. My work is readily available when I publish it and, more importantly, because I know how social media works. I’m connected to many international universities, educators, and students via social media.

You can share ideas and resources through social media. This applies to publishing as well. Instead of waiting to find an editor and follow the traditional publishing path, I have self-published e books. This has allowed for me to be highly engaged in the education field. It has also redefined what it is to be a college teacher. To be a Modern Teacher, you need to know what online educators should do and what online schools they are creating as a requirement.

Steps To Becoming a Modern Teacher

Online courses can be taught regardless of your degree level, whether you are a doctorate or a master’s. Professional development is essential. This is more than just taking part in a workshop. It needs to be about making intellectual contributions. Modern educators need to engage in social and professional networking. These are some strategies and steps that you can use in order to become a Modern educator.

#1. #1. Write a blog. Blog posts can help you share the knowledge you’ve gained while you do research on your professional interests. Word Press, among others, is a free tool that allows you to share and create a blog.

#2. Write Online Articles. Instead of writing articles and submitting them to scholarly journals which may always be an option, look for a resource that will allow you to publish your articles online. You can reach a wider audience with articles that are based in part on your knowledge and experiences. This will enable you to improve your writing skills and establish yourself as a subject-matter expert. Ezine Articles allows me to market my articles.

#3. Use social networking – Every online teacher should know how to establish themselves via technology. It’s only natural to want to learn how you can engage in online communities and work in an environment that is tech-enabled. LinkedIn can be used to build professional networks, find related groups and even find online jobs. Twitter connects you with international students, educators, universities and can be used to exchange resources.

#4. Build a Website -If your ambitions are high and you want to do more than just a blog, you might also consider building your own website. This could be used to host resources you have created that can be shared with students or educators. There are many webhosting services that are free, and some that cost a small fee.

#5. #5. Nook and Kindle devices are the most in-demand. Kobo is another device which is growing in popularity. It can be used on mobile devices, such as Blackberry. The book will be formatted by a professional, then you will have to sign up to distribute it. It can usually be done in just a few hours.

Maintaining Modern Educator Status

Modern educators do more that teach online classes. They are active in their chosen field of education. They have the ability to teach using technology tools and can also engage in virtual communities of educators via social networks. Modern Educators also do research and make intellectual contributions via technological means. The work they publish is done through technologically-enabled resources and made immediately available for their intended audience. They have mastered social media and are able to share their work and resources with other students and educators.

It is time that the Modern Educator mindset becomes the standard for online learning. Instruction has evolved from traditional to online format, so the instructor must adapt. It is crucial that online schools and hiring managers recognize the Modern Educator. This person is likely to have taught for multiple institutions due fluctuating enrollments, staff changes, but what is most important is their continuing professional development and intellectual contributions. Someone who has more than a few years of experience as an online teacher is the ideal candidate for an online teaching job. You should also be able to use technology to help you publish your work and network with other educators. Modern Educators are the new college professors who are most equipped to teach through technology.