Introduction
As
people have the ability to acquire new or modify existing knowledge, behavior,
skills or values, they have the ability to learn. Traditionally, brick and
mortar schools have been a great place for people to gather and learn. More
recently, with the development of the internet, online schools are being
created around the world and providing people with greater access to
educational opportunities. Because the internet has provided greater access to
educational opportunities, people are able to learn more (McIntosh, 2008). My
role as an online educator is to provide students with the skills required to
learn online. In addition, I want to provide my students activities that
involve students constructing meaning through communication and interaction
with their peers (Kear, 2011). By doing this, I can help prepare my students
for the educational system of tomorrow and enhance their learning potential. In
order for me to be an effective online educator, I need to understand my
beliefs about learning, develop a sense of community and distinguish between
asynchronous and synchronous tools that can be used within an online learning
environment.