online lecturers

[lookingouttosea]

I spotted an advertisement from a well-known university abroad for lecturers to teach a course online, from home. Has anyone here done or heard of this kind of job? Or even done a course online like this? How does it work, practically? I feel like shouting over Skype or something like it is probably not the best way to communicate to a class. I guess technology has moved on though...

We have a popular Masters course which is completely online, it's a very niche topic and wouldn't get enough people in person in one place, but gets very healthy numbers through online and part-time students. I think they have compulsory dial-in seminars, recorded lecturers (which we have online anyway now for all courses) and then the rest is done by email/Skype including supervisions. I don't know what would be required for this particular course, but for a specialist course with reasonably well qualified entrants, I would be fine with online teaching.

Have a look on future learn to see if the university offers any free moocs. Signing up for one will give you an idea of the available tools.
It’s a combination of video, written stuff and discussion boards usually. Often they attract older professionals studying part time who are often highly motivated and mature.