Best Practices In E-learning

          There is no best practice if it is not developed around the learners! Based on that first phrase the best practice is the practice that is designed around different types of learners. In E-learning by design best practice is possible. “E-learning is learner-centered in multiple ways” (Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., and Agamba, J. 2013). In my point of view the best practice incorporates an environment with the best theories of teaching and learning plus the science of e-learning by instructions together. This statement is pertinent for the following reasons:

         First, if the instructor and students have a great platform to access the material that allows the learners to have flexibilities to interact with the learning material and a great environment where the learners feel that they are a part of something important they really will contribute to the community by learning, interacting with others, and leaving a legacy. All of these things together are part of the best practices when it comes to teaching online.

          Second, the instructor needs to understand a huge amount of teaching and learning theories to be able to match the learner to different learning styles with the theory that will most help them learn. For example, when talking about constructivism theory. Piaget believed that individuals must construct their learner knowledge, individually and collectively. So, for this kind of learner, teachers will provide “ a broad landscape for learners to exhibit their knowledge that complements the learner’s cultural background and allows them to function rather than be discouraged”(Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., and Agamba, J. 2013).  Jean Piaget's theory believed in the technique of active learning. According to Jenny Hall “active learning breaks down barriers to communication and creates collegial classroom atmospheres that develop social interaction and communities of practice, simply, environments that allow learning to take place”. (Hall 2017)
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         Third, to better use best practices in online teaching, teachers should always enhance their practice by developing ways to teach the students by believing in the development of their students' values and also in their own values. Teachers that want to be on track of best practices always remember the importance to learn with other educators and be open to new practices, new tech tools, new technologies. These teachers are always involved with students and help them see the essence inside, and constantly reflect on the practice style.  Talking about learning with other educators Jenny Hall 2017 explained “ Peer observation or peer review of teaching widely used in some academic settings as a useful professional development activity that can enhance professional learning of both the observed and the observer, and improve teaching and support student learning” ( Hall 2017).
Finally, the best practice always should have three steps of the practice active work sequence explained by Horton 2012, which are: Assign task by the teacher, performed by the student, and Feedback to the learner. (­­­p.131).
 
References
 
Hall, Jenny (2017). Developing Teaching Best Practice—Pedagogy, Preferences, and Professional Development, International Information & Library Review, 49:1, 59-64, DOI: 10.1080/10572317.2017.1270692

Horton, W (2012). E-Learning by Design. 2nd ed. San Francisco. CA: Pfeiffer.
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Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., & Agamba, J. (2013). Promoting effective e-learning practices through the constructivist pedagogy. Education and Information Technologies, 19(4), 887-898. doi:10.1007/s10639-013-9260-1