Whether it's delivered in a lecture hall or in the classroom, boring learning doesn't engage students. And if students have to work to stay awake, odds are they aren't absorbing the material. Therefore, simple text on an Internet page won't due. Administrators need to make sure the course designers are using the unique attributes of the Internet to offer interesting and interactive multimedia lessons that are routinely assessed to ensure they are effective. Administrators should also ensure that the faculty chosen to deliver online classes can communicate effectively virtually.
Working in a completely virtual environment is new and usually challenging for faculty and students. Administrators need to ensure that teachers are trained regarding how to respond to students using the virtual framework, how to handle technical difficulties and how to pose engaging activities. Because time management is usually a factor in student virtual-learning success, according to Scholastic, students should be trained regarding how to budget their time for working online and completing offline assignments.
Understand that, as with any new technology, technical problems will occur, and they will often occur more when the technology is first implemented. Avoid letting technical glitches have a large impact by preparing documentation that shows faculty members and students what they should do in the event of a technical error. Consider drafting documents that standardize procedures during errors, such as how long students are to have to make up an assignment missed by a server error.
Many administrators have concerns regarding the implementation of virtual learning. Indeed, some are hesitant to utilize new technologies. If your school has chosen to use virtual learning, and you are administering the program, a negative attitude will only make your job harder. Instead, have a positive attitude, and believe in your program as long as assessments show you it is effective. (Of course, you should do everything in your power to make it effective.) If assessments show your program is not effective, it's time to head back to the drawing board, but you shouldn't abandon all technology just because one method didn't work.