Critical Competenies for Teaching Online
Recently, Larry Ragan, Director of Faculty Development for Penn State’s World Campus, was asked “how would you rank the critical competencies for teaching online? Here are the 6 he identified:
1. Teaching and Learning
- State objectives, expectations, & policies
- Establish communication rules & group decision-making norms
- Give prompt, effective feedback
2. Technology Aptitude
- Know the LMS
- Seek technology assistance
- Be creative and flexible
3. Classroom Administration/ Management
- Check & manage roster
- Submit grades according to University policy
- Manage drop/adds
4. Faculty Workload Management
- Define time frames
- Develop schedule & responsibilities
- Communicate expectations
5. Building Community
- Foster dialog & interaction
- Provide for “space” for instructional & social interactions
6. Attitude/Philosophy
- Be open minded
- Take some risks
- Be willing to fail (with support net!)
Read the full article from the Distance Education Report, November 15, 2009
How Would You Rank the Critical Competencies for Teaching Online? (pdf)