Posted by & filed under Job Listings.

firmbee-com-jrh5lAq-mIs-unsplashEach week we will summarize all the online adjunct jobs we’ve added to AdjunctWorld during the week for easy reference.

If you’d like to be notified right after we post a new online teaching job in your discipline area, giving your application a jump start, consider becoming a Premium Member! Premium membership also offers bigger discounts on our professional development courses like OT101: Fundamentals of Online TeachingCD501: Foundations of Online Course Development, and OnRamp: A Practical Guide to Landing an Online Teaching Job.

This week we posted 43 Online Adjunct jobs from 21 schools.

We at AdjunctWorld wish you the best of luck in your job search. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Brooke for more information.

This Week’s Online Teaching Job Summary

12 Online Teaching Positions – Oral Roberts University (1 posting, 12 positions listed)

3 Online Teaching Positions – Upper Iowa University

3 Online Teaching Positions – American Public University System

…as well as online teaching opportunities at: Arizona College of Nursing, Bethel University, California Institute of Arts & Technology, Colorado Christian University, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Gateway Community & Technical College, Georgia Military College, Grand View University, Houston Baptist University, Johnson & Wales University, Murray State College, Purdue University Global, South University, Southeastern College, Southern New Hampshire University, Thomas Edison State University, Trident University International, and Western Governors University.

 

Online Teaching Certificate Course

OT101: Fundamentals of Online Teaching

Space is limited! Register today!

samantha-borges-EeS69TTPQ18-unsplash

OT101 is our 4-week, asynchronous, instructor-led certificate course that provides training in today’s best practices in distance education. Upon successful completion of OT101, you will receive a certificate to document your achievement which can be highlighted in your job applications and CV.

To date, we’ve graduated over 500 members of our community (read testimonials here). The next run of OT101 starts Monday, September 25th. Enrollment is now open, space is limited.

OT101 normally costs $298, but use coupon code TEACH at check out for 30% off, bringing your price down to $208.60Premium members will notice an additional 25% off taken at check out (total premium member price + coupon = $154.96).

REGISTER FOR OT101 HERE

Posted by & filed under AdjunctWorld Resources.

gabrielle-henderson-HJckKnwCXxQ-unsplash (1)The cover letter you create as part of your online teaching job application package plays a very important role. Not only is in an opportunity for you to showcase your skills, qualifications, and passion for education in a compelling way, but it also presents you with an opportunity to show schools that you uniquely meet the requirements of the position they are specifically asking for. In their job postings, schools are saying, “We want you if you have these qualifications/can do these things.” Your cover letter answers with, “I’m great for this position because I have those qualifications and I can do those things…and here is how! The cover letter is also a great vehicle for emphasizing your student-centered teaching philosophy, which nearly all schools will be looking for.

Here are some quick and helpful tips to consider as you craft your online teaching job cover letter:

Address the Recipient

Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person – if they are listed in the job posting. If you don’t see a name, it is okay to go with “To whom it may concern.” But, if there is a person listed in the job description somewhere, you should use their name in the greeting.

Introduction

Begin with a strong and engaging opening paragraph that states the position you are applying for and briefly mentions not just your interest in the role, but the top two or three things that qualify you for the position. So, for example, you might say “Hello, I’m Dr. Jane Smith and I’m eagerly applying to the role of Online Math Instructor at your esteemed institution. As someone with a master’s in Mathematics, five years of online teaching experience, and a proven student-centered teaching philosophy (as evidenced by the attached positive student evaluations), I believe you’ll find my background and qualifications well suited for this position.”

Research the Institution

Demonstrate that you have done your homework by mentioning specific details about the college or university. Highlighting your knowledge of their online programs, values, or specific student populations (i.e., non-traditional students, large military student population, bilingual students, etc.) will show that you’re genuinely interested and motivated.

Showcase Your Qualifications

joao-ferrao-4YzrcDNcRVg-unsplash (4)Tailor your cover letter to emphasize the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for this particular online teaching position. Especially address anything the school specifically asks for. So, if they require a doctorate, 3-5 years of online teaching experience, and 2-5 years of relevant industry experience, make very sure you mention those points. If they online “prefer” something (meaning, it’s not a requirement) that you don’t have, it’s okay to leave it out – don’t pad or stretch something just to check a box. But if a position requires something, you need to make sure you mention how you fulfill that requirement in your cover letter. This usually takes the form of your graduate degree, relevant teaching experience, industry experience and certifications, exposure and familiarity with learning management systems (LMSs), and any specialized training related to online education.

Highlight Technology Skills

Online teaching often involves using various digital tools and platforms. Showcase your proficiency in using technology for teaching, such as video conferencing tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebX, etc.), learning management systems, or multimedia resources. Often a school will mention the specific LMS they use in their job description (i.e., Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, D2L/Brightspace, etc.). If you have any familiarity with that platform (either as an instructor or student) mention it. If you haven’t yet been exposed to that LMS, you can mention that you are pursuing training in that LMS – but make sure you actually do so. The school could circle back to this during the interview and getting some basic training in oft-used LMSs is a value-add for your job hunt anyway.

Student-Centered Approach

jose-aljovin-JZMdGltAHMo-unsplashEmphasize your commitment to individualized learning and student success. Mention any previous experience in adapting lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners or employing different teaching strategies to engage students in the online setting. This is a bigger deal to schools that it may seem on the surface. They spend a lot of time, money, and energy recruiting their student body and want to make sure that once the students are in class, they are set up to succeed with instructors who will work with them and meet them where they are. Often, schools will require a separate Statement of Teaching Philosophy where you can go into much more detail. But here in the cover letter, you will want to make it clear that you are focused on students’ success and aren’t going to be one of those “my way or the highway”-style instructors.

Passion for Teaching and Subject Matter

Communicate your genuine enthusiasm for teaching and the subject you’ll be instructing. Share anecdotes or experiences that illustrate your passion for education.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Online teaching can present unique challenges, and schools are looking for teachers who can adapt and find creative solutions. Provide examples of how you’ve handled challenges in your previous teaching experiences. Don’t spend a great deal of time storytelling here, but if you have space, it will be good to showcase your ability to flex when the situation requires it.

Be Concise

Keep your cover letter focused and to the point. Avoid being too wordy and make sure each sentence contributes to the overall message. We recommend that your cover letter not exceed one page, single spaced.

Call to Action

Conclude your cover letter with a strong closing statement, expressing your interest in further discussing your qualifications in an interview. Provide your contact information and thank the reader for considering your application.

Proofread

Always proofread your cover letter before sending it. Typos and grammatical errors can make a negative impression. Use any grammar/spelling checkers you typically use, read your letter out loud, and then give it to several people in your circle to proofread it for you.

Follow Application Instructions

usman-yousaf--AQ-P_R25aI-unsplashIf the job posting specifies any requirements for the cover letter (e.g., word count, specific information to include), make sure to adhere to those instructions. If the provide a space for you to upload supplemental materials (i.e., certificates, student evaluations, letters of reference, etc.) make sure you attach those along with your application.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression, so take the time to tailor it to the specific online teaching job you’re applying for and showcase why you are the ideal candidate for the online teaching position.

Good luck!

Need Help with your Online Teaching Job Cover Letter?

samantha-borges-EeS69TTPQ18-unsplashDo you need individualized feedback on your cover letter? In our OnRamp course, we will do that—along with answering your questions about the job market, reviewing and editing your Statement of Teaching Philosophy and your CV, and even offering suggestions on interview questions. Look over the full course description and register easily online. You can also check out some of the kind things our graduates have said over on our OnRamp: Reviews and Testimonials page.

Posted by & filed under Job Listings.

sj-objio-8hHxO3iYuU0-unsplashEach week we will summarize all the online adjunct jobs we’ve added to AdjunctWorld during the week for easy reference.

If you’d like to be notified right after we post a new online teaching job in your discipline area, giving your application a jump start, consider becoming a Premium Member! Premium membership also offers bigger discounts on our professional development courses like OT101: Fundamentals of Online TeachingCD501: Foundations of Online Course Development, and OnRamp: A Practical Guide to Landing an Online Teaching Job.

This week we posted 43 Online Adjunct jobs from 22 schools.

We at AdjunctWorld wish you the best of luck in your job search. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Brooke for more information.

This Week’s Online Teaching Job Summary

11 Online Teaching Positions – Tiffin University

4 Online Teaching Positions – University of the People

4 Online Teaching Positions – Southern New Hampshire University

…as well as online teaching opportunities at: Bellevue University, California Baptist University, California Institute of Arts & Technology, Columbia College, Concorde Career Colleges, CTU-Online, Drexel University, Eastern Nazarene College, Galen College of Nursing, Methodist University, National University, San Francisco Bay University, Strayer University, Unity College, University of Arizona Global Campus, University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Phoenix, University of the Cumberlands, and Western Governors University.

 

Online Teaching Certificate Course

OT101: Fundamentals of Online Teaching

Space is limited! Register today!

samantha-borges-EeS69TTPQ18-unsplash

OT101 is our 4-week, asynchronous, instructor-led certificate course that provides training in today’s best practices in distance education. Upon successful completion of OT101, you will receive a certificate to document your achievement which can be highlighted in your job applications and CV.

To date, we’ve graduated over 500 members of our community (read testimonials here). The next run of OT101 starts Monday, September 25th. Enrollment is now open, space is limited.

OT101 normally costs $298, but use coupon code TEACH at check out for 30% off, bringing your price down to $208.60Premium members will notice an additional 25% off taken at check out (total premium member price + coupon = $154.96).

REGISTER FOR OT101 HERE

Posted by & filed under Job Listings.

mars-IgUR1iX0mqM-unsplashEach week we will summarize all the online adjunct jobs we’ve added to AdjunctWorld during the week for easy reference.

If you’d like to be notified right after we post a new online teaching job in your discipline area, giving your application a jump start, consider becoming a Premium Member! Premium membership also offers bigger discounts on our professional development courses like OT101: Fundamentals of Online TeachingCD501: Foundations of Online Course Development, and OnRamp: A Practical Guide to Landing an Online Teaching Job.

This week we posted 27 Online Adjunct jobs from 19 schools.

We at AdjunctWorld wish you the best of luck in your job search. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Brooke for more information.

This Week’s Online Teaching Job Summary

3 Online Teaching Positions – ECPI University

3 Online Teaching Positions – Western Governors University

2 Online Teaching Positions – Eastern Oregon University

…as well as online teaching opportunities at: Arizona College of Nursing, Brown, California Southern University, Colleges of Law, CSU Global, Drexel University, Franklin University, Houston Baptist University, National University, Purdue University Global, Quantic School of Business and Technology, Southern New Hampshire University, Southern State Community College, TCSPP, University of Arizona Global Campus, and University of Maryland Global Campus.

 

Online Teaching Certificate Course

OT101: Fundamentals of Online Teaching

Space is limited! Register today!

samantha-borges-EeS69TTPQ18-unsplash

OT101 is our 4-week, asynchronous, instructor-led certificate course that provides training in today’s best practices in distance education. Upon successful completion of OT101, you will receive a certificate to document your achievement which can be highlighted in your job applications and CV.

To date, we’ve graduated over 500 members of our community (read testimonials here). The next run of OT101 starts Monday, September 25th. Enrollment is now open, space is limited.

OT101 normally costs $298, but use coupon code TEACH at check out for 30% off, bringing your price down to $208.60Premium members will notice an additional 25% off taken at check out (total premium member price + coupon = $154.96).

REGISTER FOR OT101 HERE

Posted by & filed under AdjunctWorld Resources.

van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash (2)A CV (curriculum vitae, roughly translated to mean “life’s work”) and a resume are both used to apply for online teaching job opportunities, but they have distinct differences in terms of length, content, and purpose. Most schools who are hiring online adjunct instructors will ask for a CV, although there are a few who may ask for a resume (do they probably mean to say CV? Yes, but if it is clear they want a resume, that is what you will want to provide). Therefore, you may want to have both “versions” of your work history at the ready when firing off applications.

Here are the main differences between a CV and a resume:

Length of a CV vs. a Resume:

CV: Generally, a CV is longer and more comprehensive. It can be several pages long and includes detailed information about your education, work history, publications, research, academic achievements, and other relevant professional activities. In other words, it is your “life’s work” unfolding across multiple pages. Most schools want CVs (vs. resumes) because they want to see the work that went into creating your subject matter expertise. They don’t want to take your word for it, they want to literally see it. They want proof that you are an expert through the things you have done over your career. Put succinctly, a CV shows, it doesn’t not tell.

Resume: A resume is typically shorter and concise, usually limited to one or two pages. It focuses on summarizing your relevant work experience, skills, and accomplishments, specifically tailored to the job you’re applying for. It is the business card or the elevator pitch version of your CV, if you will. If it is clear that a school wants a resume, they are wanting to thumb through their candidates quickly to get a general sense of their appropriateness for the role.

Differences in Content

gabrielle-henderson-HJckKnwCXxQ-unsplash (1)CV: A CV includes comprehensive information about your academic background, such as degrees earned, research work, academic projects, presentations, and teaching experience. It also includes details about any publications, awards, grants, conferences, and affiliations with professional organizations. Again, we are showing everything that has gone into creating your subject matter expertise with a CV. If you are wondering “should this go in my CV?” The answer is probably yes. With some exceptions – padding one’s resume with associations you used to belong to but don’t anymore or with a very long list of non-certificate seminars you attended is frowned upon. But if it’s meaty and vital and integral to your career story, it probably should go in.

Resume: A resume emphasizes your professional experience, highlighting relevant work history (including teaching experience, online and off), job responsibilities, achievements, and skills. It may also include a section on education, but the emphasis is on work-related accomplishments and qualifications. Here, if you ask yourself “should I include this in my resume?” the answer is probably “no.” Or “yes, but touch on it briefly.

The Purpose of a CV vs. a Resume

CV: CVs are commonly used in academic, research, and scientific fields or when applying for graduate programs, fellowships, or academic positions – hence their popularity in the world of online teaching. They are more suitable for roles where a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional background is necessary – like a role where you must be a subject matter expert. As in an online adjunct professor.

Resume: Resumes are the standard document for job applications in non-academic fields, private sector jobs, or industries where specific skills and experience are more relevant than academic qualifications. They may also be something a school asks for if they are not wanting to deep dive into a series of multi-page CVs in their job search. However, it is important to note that eventually a CV will be needed, since accrediting bodies will often review faculty member profiles to determine a school’s eligibility for continued accreditation. This includes their CVs (which prove their appropriateness and validity in the role they hold as subject matter expert).

Format vs Style:

joao-ferrao-4YzrcDNcRVg-unsplash (4)CV: CVs often have a more structured and formal format, presenting information in reverse chronological order (newest first) and providing extensive detail. No bells and whistles, nothing overly stylized. It should be scrollable from top to bottom and not include columns. With a CV, the reader’s eyes should move from far left to far right and scroll continuously from top to bottom, like one would read a regular word processing document.

Resume: Resumes are typically more tailored/stylized and can be presented in various formats, such as chronological, functional, or combination styles, depending on the applicant’s work history and job application requirements. They can use color and images, and sections can be formatted within columns. There won’t be a lot of bullet points or extraneous explanations of things on a resume; it’s a “just the facts, ma’am” or “at-a-glance”-type of document.

Let Us Help You!

Need help crafting a CV? Or expanding your resume to better represent your “life’s work?” AdjunctWorld can help through our  asynchronous, online, 4-week, instructor-led course titled OnRamp: A Practical Guide to Landing an Online Teaching Job. This course offers instruction on online teaching CVs as well as a personalized CV review. It covers all elements of your application (i.e., cover letter, Statement of Teaching Philosophy, interview strategy, etc.) and provides helpful information on the online teaching job landscape. Leave class with all of your questions about finding online teaching work answered. See our Course Description and FAQs Page for more details. We’d love to have you join us for our next cohort!

Posted by & filed under Job Listings.

javier-sierra-6jopFhZkGGk-unsplashEach week we will summarize all the online adjunct jobs we’ve added to AdjunctWorld during the week for easy reference.

If you’d like to be notified right after we post a new online teaching job in your discipline area, giving your application a jump start, consider becoming a Premium Member! Premium membership also offers bigger discounts on our professional development courses like OT101: Fundamentals of Online TeachingCD501: Foundations of Online Course Development, and OnRamp: A Practical Guide to Landing an Online Teaching Job.

This week we posted 22 Online Adjunct jobs from 15 schools.

We at AdjunctWorld wish you the best of luck in your job search. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Brooke for more information.

This Week’s Online Teaching Job Summary

3 Online Teaching Positions – Walden University

2 Online Teaching Positions – AIU Online

2 Online Teaching Positions – University of Arizona Global Campus

…as well as online teaching opportunities at: Arizona College of Nursing, Capella University, Community College of Baltimore County, CTU-Online, Eastern Oregon University, Jarvis University, John Melvin University, MCAD, National University, Purdue University Global, University of Maryland Global Campus, and Western Governors University.

 

Online Teaching Certificate Course

OT101: Fundamentals of Online Teaching

Space is limited! Register today!

samantha-borges-EeS69TTPQ18-unsplash

OT101 is our 4-week, asynchronous, instructor-led certificate course that provides training in today’s best practices in distance education. Upon successful completion of OT101, you will receive a certificate to document your achievement which can be highlighted in your job applications and CV.

To date, we’ve graduated over 500 members of our community (read testimonials here). The next run of OT101 starts Monday, September 25th. Enrollment is now open, space is limited.

OT101 normally costs $298, but use coupon code TEACH at check out for 30% off, bringing your price down to $208.60Premium members will notice an additional 25% off taken at check out (total premium member price + coupon = $154.96).

REGISTER FOR OT101 HERE

Posted by & filed under Online Teaching Resources.

jason-goodman-vbxyFxlgpjM-unsplashOnline classrooms – now a mainstay in higher education – provide students and educators with unique opportunities to learn-by-collaboration. One powerful tool that fosters active engagement and critical thinking in virtual classrooms is well-crafted discussion prompts. By designing thoughtful and stimulating prompts, educators can create vibrant and dynamic online discussions that enhance the learning experience for all participants. Below, we explore the importance of effective discussion prompts and provide tips for crafting engaging ones that enrich the online learning environment.

The Power of Effective Discussion Prompts

Discussion forums are not “assignments” – they aren’t methods for quizzing our students or evaluating whether they have mastered a topic. These are learning opportunities or change moments. They are where students go to achieve that mastery that we will eventually assess via other means (essays, exams, projects, etc.). If we regard them as learning moments and not assignments, then are working with the right mindset. Again, we aren’t quizzing or evaluating here, we are inviting learning-through-conversation. We want students to have changed – either in perspective, confidence, or know-how – as a result of having participated in the discussion.

Well-designed prompts can:

  • Spark Curiosity: A thought-provoking question piques students’ interest and encourages them to explore the topic further.
  • Encourage Critical Thinking: Open-ended prompts prompt students to analyze and evaluate information, fostering the development of critical thinking skills.
  • Promote Collaboration: Discussion prompts that encourage students to share their perspectives and experiences and these insights facilitate meaningful interaction and collaboration among learners.
  • Enhance Communication Skills: Engaging in online discussions helps students improve their written communication skills, articulating their thoughts effectively.
  • Foster Inclusivity: Thoughtful prompts allow students from diverse backgrounds and experiences to participate and contribute to the conversation.

Tips for Crafting Engaging Discussion Prompts

no-revisions-UhpAf0ySwuk-unsplashOpen-Ended Questions: Avoid closed-ended questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Instead, create open-ended questions that require thoughtful responses and encourage deeper exploration.

  • Example: “How might advancements in AI impact the job market over the next decade? Provide examples to support your perspective.”

Real-World Relevance: Frame prompts that connect course material to real-life situations, encouraging students to see the practical implications of what they are learning.

  • Example: “Reflect on a recent news article that relates to our discussion on climate change. How does the scientific evidence presented in the article align with the concepts we’ve covered in class?”

Multidisciplinary Approach: Incorporate diverse perspectives by integrating elements from different disciplines. This approach encourages students to approach problems from various angles.

  • Example: “Explore the ethical dilemmas posed by advances in genetic engineering, drawing on insights from both biology and philosophy.”

Relate to Personal Experiences: Encourage students to reflect on their own experiences or observations, fostering a more personalized and engaging discussion.

  • Example: “Share an example from your own life where effective communication played a significant role in resolving a conflict. What lessons did you learn from that experience?”

Present Controversial Topics: Introduce topics with multiple viewpoints and controversies, promoting healthy debates and critical analysis.

  • Example: “What are the arguments for and against the use of social media in political campaigns? How might it impact the democratic process?”

Visual Prompts: Incorporate images, infographics, or short videos into prompts to stimulate visual thinking and creativity.

  • Example: Share an image related to urbanization and ask students to discuss the potential challenges and benefits of urban development.

And ideally, of course, a prompt can do several of the above at the same time:

  • Example: Compare where you fall on each of the five factors on the Big Five Personality assessment and compare your results to someone you tend to not get along with (personalization). Given this information, why do you all tend to butt heads? (open-ended question). How might you use this information and insight in your next interaction with this person (real-world relevance).

Conclusion

annie-spratt-hCb3lIB8L8E-unsplash (1)Effective discussion prompts are invaluable tools in online classrooms, empowering students to actively engage with course content, think critically, and collaborate with their peers. By crafting open-ended, relevant, and thought-provoking prompts, educators can create an enriching and inclusive learning environment where students feel encouraged to share their ideas and insights without the distracting, unproductive stress that comes along with “getting the answer wrong – publicly”. Engaging minds, opening doors, and alleviating performance anxiety through well-designed discussion prompts not only enhances the learning experience but also cultivates essential skills that students can carry with them beyond the virtual classroom.

Posted by & filed under Job Listings.

junior-ferreira-7esRPTt38nI-unsplashEach week we will summarize all the online adjunct jobs we’ve added to AdjunctWorld during the week for easy reference.

If you’d like to be notified right after we post a new online teaching job in your discipline area, giving your application a jump start, consider becoming a Premium Member! Premium membership also offers bigger discounts on our professional development courses like OT101: Fundamentals of Online TeachingCD501: Foundations of Online Course Development, and OnRamp: A Practical Guide to Landing an Online Teaching Job.

This week we posted 34 Online Adjunct jobs from 21 schools.

We at AdjunctWorld wish you the best of luck in your job search. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Brooke for more information.

This Week’s Online Teaching Job Summary

4 Online Teaching Positions – Columbia College

4 Online Teaching Positions – Western Governors University

3 Online Teaching Positions – University of Arizona Global Campus

…as well as online teaching opportunities at: AIU Online, Bethany College, Bryan University, California Baptist University, Capella University, Concorde Career Colleges, Dakota College at Bottineau, Franklin University, Logan University, National University, Purdue University Global, Regent University, Saybrook University, Simmons University, St. Louis Community College, Trine University, University of Phoenix, and Walden University.

 

Online Teaching Certificate Course

OT101: Fundamentals of Online Teaching

Space is limited! Register today!

samantha-borges-EeS69TTPQ18-unsplash

OT101 is our 4-week, asynchronous, instructor-led certificate course that provides training in today’s best practices in distance education. Upon successful completion of OT101, you will receive a certificate to document your achievement which can be highlighted in your job applications and CV.

To date, we’ve graduated over 500 members of our community (read testimonials here). The next run of OT101 starts Monday, September 25th. Enrollment is now open, space is limited.

OT101 normally costs $298, but use coupon code TEACH at check out for 30% off, bringing your price down to $208.60Premium members will notice an additional 25% off taken at check out (total premium member price + coupon = $154.96).

REGISTER FOR OT101 HERE

Posted by & filed under Online Teaching Resources.

hannah-busing-Zyx1bK9mqmA-unsplash (1)Asynchronous online classrooms offer a flexible and convenient learning experience for diverse groups of learners. While you might think that the absence of real-time interaction can pose a challenge in establishing a sense of community among students and instructors, the asynchronous learning environment is rife with opportunities to community-build. Creating a supportive and connected learning environment is crucial for fostering engagement and enhancing the overall learning experience. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for creating a vibrant community in an asynchronous online classroom.

Cultivate a Welcoming Virtual Space

Start by setting the tone for a warm and inclusive virtual space. Create a welcome message or video that greets students as they enter the course platform. Encourage students to introduce themselves on discussion boards or forums, sharing their interests, aspirations, and a fun fact about themselves. By doing so, you will promote a sense of belonging and encourage students to view the online classroom as a safe and friendly place to connect. This type of exercise gives instructors a great deal of data they can use to personalize the learning experience for each student. Remember that Jane mentioned in her intro that she wants to be an occupational therapist? Then whenever something comes up in future class discussion or handed-in assignment that bears on this goal, the instructor can reinforce Jane’s motivation toward that particular goal.

Establish Clear Communication Channels

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful online community. Clearly outline the various communication channels available to students, such as email, discussion forums, messaging systems, or virtual office hours. Promptly respond to queries and provide constructive feedback to ensure that students feel heard and supported throughout their learning journey. The instructor is a very important part of the online community and serves as an important model for engagement and interactivity. This is the main responsibility instructors take on when they teach online, not “extra work” that they do.

Foster Peer Interaction

christina-wocintechchat-com-LQ1t-8Ms5PY-unsplashIn an asynchronous setting, creating opportunities for peer-to-peer interaction is paramount. Encourage collaborative activities, group discussions, and virtual study groups. Assigning group projects that require students to work together fosters teamwork and helps build connections beyond the course content. Additionally, periodically organize virtual social events, such as online game nights or virtual coffee breaks, to facilitate informal interactions among students. At many schools, students – especially those enrolled in the same program or major – will be in many of the same classes. So, helping them form relationships with each other in your class can set a good stage for meaningful learning experiences in other courses as well.

Incorporate Video Elements

While the course may be asynchronous, incorporating occasional video elements can add a personal touch to the learning experience. Consider recording short video announcements, summaries of key concepts, or mini-lectures. Sharing your facial expressions and voice can make a significant impact, helping students feel more connected to you as the instructor. Having students post videos might tax the storage capabilities of the school’s LMS, but you can encourage synchronous video conversations (between students and the instructor, and between the students themselves) as a way of helping student interact “face to face” with each other.

Celebrate Student Achievements

Recognize and celebrate student achievements, both big and small. Acknowledge assignments that go above and beyond, milestones, or active participation in discussions. Highlighting students’ accomplishments through personalized messages boosts their confidence and reinforces a positive learning environment. They also get the sense that they are seen and that the instructor cares. Students care more when they perceived they are cared for, and we can leverage this dynamic in service of each student’s success.

Promote Reflective Discussions

laurenz-kleinheider-OsC8HauR0e0-unsplashEncourage thought-provoking discussions that prompt students to reflect on their learning experiences and share insights. Pose open-ended questions related to real-world applications of course concepts or how they relate to current events. This approach not only deepens understanding but also encourages engagement and critical thinking. Remember, this is ultimately the point of all discussion boards; these aren’t evaluations of learning. These aren’t “assignments.” These are learning tools – places where students to go reinforce and deepen their understanding. Thus, the best discussion prompts will be those that did not have a “right answer,” but instead encourage application and reflection and – yes – mistakes.

Share Personal Stories and Experiences

As an instructor, don’t be afraid to share personal stories or experiences related to the course content. Relatable anecdotes can humanize the learning experience and create a connection between you and your students. When students see that you are approachable and have experienced similar challenges, they may feel more comfortable engaging with the course material and sharing their own anecdotes, helping them make strong neural connections between previous experience/knowledge and newly acquired information.

Conclusion

In an asynchronous online classroom, community building goes beyond just academic engagement; it is about fostering connections, encouraging collaboration, and nurturing a supportive environment. By cultivating a welcoming space, establishing clear communication channels, promoting peer interaction, incorporating video elements, celebrating achievements, encouraging reflective discussions, and sharing personal stories, instructors can successfully create a vibrant and connected community in the digital landscape. Ultimately, building a sense of community will enhance student motivation, participation, and overall satisfaction, transforming the asynchronous online classroom into an enriching and fulfilling learning experience for all involved.

Posted by & filed under Job Listings.

jazmin-quaynor-7Hu4iWksw2k-unsplashEach week we will summarize all the online adjunct jobs we’ve added to AdjunctWorld during the week for easy reference.

If you’d like to be notified right after we post a new online teaching job in your discipline area, giving your application a jump start, consider becoming a Premium Member! Premium membership also offers bigger discounts on our professional development courses like OT101: Fundamentals of Online TeachingCD501: Foundations of Online Course Development, and OnRamp: A Practical Guide to Landing an Online Teaching Job.

This week we posted 50 Online Adjunct jobs from 20 schools.

We at AdjunctWorld wish you the best of luck in your job search. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Brooke for more information.

This Week’s Online Teaching Job Summary

10 Online Teaching Positions – Western Governors University

9 Online Teaching Positions – Unity College

4 Online Teaching Positions – Southern New Hampshire University

…as well as online teaching opportunities at: AIU Online, Arizona College of Nursing, Capella University, Carroll University, ECPI University, Grand Canyon University, MCPHS, Murray State University, National University, Purdue University Global, Roosevelt University, South College, Strayer University, Syracuse University, University of Arizona Global Campus, University of the Cumberlands, and West Shore Community College.

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OT101: Fundamentals of Online Teaching

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OT101 is our 4-week, asynchronous, instructor-led certificate course that provides training in today’s best practices in distance education. Upon successful completion of OT101, you will receive a certificate to document your achievement which can be highlighted in your job applications and CV.

To date, we’ve graduated over 500 members of our community (read testimonials here). The next run of OT101 starts Monday, September 25th. Enrollment is now open, space is limited.

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