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Discussion

How is it to be an online educator?

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on what it is like to teach online? I just began my Nurse educator course, and would like to continue working as a full time staff nurse after graduation, along with teaching some online classes.

Please share your experiences, and let me know if you can compare online teaching versus class room teaching?

Thanks

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    • Featured Replies

    I started full-time in online academia this spring. I LOVE it. I set my own schedule. I work 1:1 with students telephonically, have web-enabled meetings, work on projects outside my regular duties. I've never worked in traditional university setting- so have nothing to compare it to.

    My faculty role is year-round, as the school has continuous enrollment. Benefits are generous. I am really digging actual paid holidays off too!

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    It is really difficult to find a FT online position that pays well. WGU comes to mind, and please someone correct me if I am wrong, they do not pay well and they do not hire PT. They also require you not have another job during the first year (I am not sure how that would be enforced).

    I would not recommend anyone get an MSN in Nursing Education if your intention is ONLY to teach online. I think you will be disappointed and find it a fierce job market.

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    • Author

    Thank you so much for your replies! I am imagining that I will have to obtain a PhD there after my MSN, in order to really be marketable.

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    Getting a PhD just to teach seems like a load of work for little benefit.

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    • Experts

    I have taught in the classroom (face to face) and also online. I've also taught a blended course. I strongly preferred blended courses -- followed by classroom courses -- with 100% online as my last choice.

    With 100% online courses, I don't have the same relationships with the students and having a strong relationship with the students usually makes for the most satisfying teaching experiences. Also, I find group discussions to be much more effective when people are in the same room. Having to write everything tends to reduce the amount of interaction.

    On the other hand, the schedule flexibility with online courses is terrific -- though it can be a burden if students expect to get a response to their questions/posts within 24 hours. When that happens, you never truly get a day off from work and that lack of true time off can feel oppressive.

    That's why I prefer blended courses -- where we meet together physically every now and then, but do a lot of the class work online. I think that's the best of both worlds.

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    It is really difficult to find a FT online position that pays well. WGU comes to mind, and please someone correct me if I am wrong, they do not pay well and they do not hire PT. They also require you not have another job during the first year (I am not sure how that would be enforced).

    I would not recommend anyone get an MSN in Nursing Education if your intention is ONLY to teach online. I think you will be disappointed and find it a fierce job market.

    I am a WGU faculty member, and feel I am compensated on par with other positions in academiain my area. Good benefits- no adjunct limbo waiting for a position to open either.

    And yes, they do prohibit outside employment during the first year- you sign a statement attesting to it.

    However, the opportunities for advancement are there, you set your own schedule and work from home. I'm happy with what I'm doing right now.Oh, and the course I support has a team, and we work only five days. The great part is we work almost exclusively 1:1 with students- very up close and personal!

    PhD or DNP will take you further. MSN is becoming the new BSN if you understand my meaning.

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    Always research your local job market too. I make significantly more at a community college than I would at WGU. My benefits are also better. But that can be very regional. Also the work from home may be worth the cut for some, just not for me.

    When I talk to people both online and in person there seems to be an abundance of people wanting to teach only online. It won't work for everyone. I'm in a position where I hire instructors and get many requests for online only. I find the same is true of my colleagues in 4 year programs.

    Yes eventually you will need a doctorate. I would still want to test the waters in the classroom and clinical settings before starting the path.

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