Learning and Teaching in Cyberspace
The World Wide Web has become what its name suggests--offering a full array of possibilities when it comes to online education. Although there are many sources for learning online, the true fact is that there are opportunities for teaching online.
Teaching plays an important role in the development and maintaining a learning environment in the cyberspace. In fact, many Internet instructors are "behind the stage" developing the courses that students take online. More than once, you will find that an online professor was, or is still, a teacher in a traditional classroom environment. Many online institutions prefer these teachers, as they help make a smooth transition between the online and the in-classroom model. Online Professors who have experience in traditional environments have a well-defined teaching style. Their skill set is often ideal for both teaching online students, and training online instructors.
For teaching or learning, the basic requirements are having access to a computer and to an Internet connection. Teachers or instructors should know how to attach files to an email message, download files, and use software programs and other basic Internet operations. People who have a background using the Internet to supplement their teaching activity, or other practical experience online, have increased opportunities to integrate into an educational team online. Teaching in a virtual classroom enables both an online instructor and an online student to hold discussions and interact with each other online, for an improved learning experience.
How to Become a Qualified Online Teacher
Whether you are a qualified teacher or want to become one, you will have to complete a 4 to 6-week online training program in order to teach an online course. This training is often free, meaning that you will not receive any payment until you begin with your classes as a designated online instructor. Availability of time for professional development in your new cyberspace environment is a must, since the Internet is a world where new technical skills are developed every day. Seminars are created for introducing educators into teaching techniques.
Furthermore, you can teach anytime during the night or day, but a requirement of 4 to 6 hours a week or more is usually asked to participate in the teaching process. As a certified online teacher, you will be creating schedules, and interacting and dealing with students as well. High School and College degrees can be easily earned after enrolling in Internet courses geared towards those who cannot attend in-classroom educational programs.