Instructor Resources
- The online faculty
- How long does it take to get started?
- What procedures do I go through once I identify Embanet as my carrier of choice?
- How do our learners access Embanet?
- How many learners should you have in an online course?
- How does Embanet differ from other providers?
The online faculty (back to top)
Teaching online represents a new world for faculty. This world is exciting yet daunting. Exciting because it adds a new dimension to the way you teach and learn. Daunting because it forces you to re-structure your teaching techniques as well as it challenges you to use a different set of tools to deliver instruction.
How long does it take to get started? (back to top)
Your courses can be up and running in less than 2 months assuming you are building or converting your course from a face-to-face format. Otherwise, you can have your courses in a matter of days. Embanet makes either process seamless. Based on your wishes we present you with a course structure, which is ready for content. Embanet will then input the content or you may have control over this process if you so desire.
What procedures do I go through once I identify Embanet as my carrier of choice? (back to top)
After you have identified your objectives and the starting date for your course, Embanet proceeds to enroll you in a five-week 'Instructor Development Training' course that will prepare you to succeed in the online environment. This course is online, and is instructor-led. You will be enrolled in a class of about 15 other individuals from various institutions that are also getting ready to build and teach their online course via Embanet.
This course will teach you to convert your existing courses to fit the online format. It will teach to make use of a variety of tools to present your content, but most importantly it will teach you how to facilitate learning. Once you have completed your Instructor Development Training course, you will receive a certificate of completion and you will be set to start enrolling your students.
If you wish not to enroll in this course, Embanet will then appoint you to an account manager that will train you and provide personal attention so that you can learn how the software functions, and therefore input your content and start interacting with your learners.
How do our learners access Embanet? (back to top)
Your learners can access your courses on Embanet any time they want from anywhere in the world. As long as they have access to a computer and a web browser, the process is as easy as point-and-click. Your learners will go through an online orientation that will teach him how to operate within the virtual classroom, and also to learn about all of the levels of support always available. The Embanet orientation contains all the manuals, interactive training of the software as well as a file area where your students may download Microsoft viewer software and other programs they may find essential to their education, free-of-charge.
How many learners should you have in an online course? (back to top)
This is a delicate issue. For one, the institution will want to turn a profit on its courses. The more learners enrolled the better chance one has of reaching the monetary goal. However, a large number of students in online courses dramatically diminishes the quality and level of attention you can give to the learners.
Online courses for the most part are highly interactive; as a result you will want to keep yours manageable. Class numbers will also depend on how you are structuring your course's curriculum. If you are designing a course with almost no interaction, then you could have as many learners you desire. On the other hand, if your curriculum is student-centered, based on collective learning and dependant on dialogue, you will want to keep your classes small. No less than 15 students, but no more than 20.
If you receive large enrollments in a particular class, you could divide the class and create different sections of the same course. You will want to hire course managers to help you manage learners' requests and questions and to ensure there is facilitation between you and the students.
If your courses do not require the learners to work cooperatively with others and the interaction between you and they is minimal, you will obviously be able to handle a large number of learners. So consider the type of curriculum you are putting in place. Know what your objectives are for the course and for your students. Based on that, you will be able to assess how many learners will be manageable in any given course.
How does Embanet differ from other providers? (back to top)
Service
Embanet has your custom virtual campus up and running promptly. With this completed you can begin loading your content. We'll help train your faculty to operate the technology, to convert their own courses, and to facilitate online. Should you have any questions, our 24-hour/7-day live technical support is there to assist learners, instructors and administration.
Cost Effective
Embanet is the most cost effective solution in the marketplace. Our modular approach allows you to only invest in what you need with the ability to expand at a moment's notice. Embanet works on a time-share principle, so you will not have to incur high start-up fees, hardware maintenance and expensive technical staff.
In addition, all our technology is highly scalable and transportable. This means that if at any given time you'd like to move this technology in-house, you can do so easily and efficiently. Lastly, Embanet operates on a flat fee regardless of how many courses your students' take.
Built to Last
Since Embanet is not a software developer, we are not tied to a particular platform. This means that Embanet will continue to research, test and adopt the best emerging technologies in the market place to offer you the most innovative, cutting-edge virtual campus technology that will meet your future needs and demands. While other companies have to focus on both development and service, Embanet's strategic alliances ensure that you get the best of both worlds: excellent software and technology backed by live technical support from helpful and knowledgeable Embanet professionals.
