Effective management of a large-scale course with Simulations

Introduction

New technology has led to the rise of the super-instructor. These new age tutors are responsible for teaching hundreds of people or more on rather intricate and complex topics in a matter of weeks. Teachers will tend to rely on more than a few different systems that must work in perfect congruence to deliver a high-impact, measurable, and easily manageable course experience. Out of all the technologies employed simulation is becoming ever more present. Read on to find out how they do it.

Imagine that you are responsible for teaching a +500 students course over the time span of ten weeks. Which tools would you select to facilitate the teaching process?

In addition to a communication and collaboration suite, such as a Learning Management System (LMS) like Moodle or an Email and Chat suite, a simulation platform can be an invaluable asset in managing the learning process for a large group of learners.

Here are some of the techniques you can use when preparing to teach your next large-scale course.

Set the course on Auto-pilot

Automated course tools and settings, with the option of manual intervention when necessary, are amongst the most effective approach for managing a large number of students seeking guidance and learning. These may include AI powered features and simulations. Automating functions like technical support is one of the more efficient ways to obtain good results. It frees up time to deal with specific custom situations in the simulation which will require expert knowledge or intervention.

Work in teams

Students working in groups or teams will help alleviate the pressure on time-sensitive, highly important information dissemination. Team members will collaborate to keep one another informed about the latest changes to the course and can also fill-in for sick or absent teammates. A solid simulation system will track changes done by every team member.

The same applies to the distribution of tasks between teachers. A useful rule of thumb is to have at least one tutor for every 100-150 students. This shortens the time it takes to get answers out to students and if there is a need for multiple course operations, such as enrollment or analysis of written reports, then tutors can distribute tasks among themselves in order to reach efficiency.

Plan for the unexpected

Be aware that some students may have difficulty meeting deadlines due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness. It is important to have contingency plans in place to allow them to make progress and submit their work at a later date.

Look for ways to stimulate creativity and problem solving

Teachers need to move from the traditional role of imparting knowledge and providing instruction to becoming coaches and motivators. They need to inspire curiosity, set challenges, and provide examples of best practice. It is more difficult to inspire imagination and creativity in a large group of students without the right tools. While people may have different interests and seek creativity in different ways, simulations provide the perfect environment for people to make choices and become better problem solvers.

Monitor course progress and champion best practice

Integrated reporting tools make it easy to track progress. They provide adaptive assessments and customized recommendations to ensure you stay on top of your instructional performance. You can also share learners' latest breakthroughs and share their experiences and results with the entire group.

Select the right technology partners

When you lease a simulation platform, you also hire people with the expertise to provide a worry-free user experience. You need timely and stress-free technical support to handle technical issues in an organized and predictable manner. Simulation consultants have successfully managed a wide range of courses and can handle any challenge you throw at them.

Manage your time

If possible, avoid taking on other activities such as research or administrative work. This will allow you to focus on the various course-related demands and ensure that you have the right level of energy to handle them.

Conclusion

It is a simple fact that teaching a large cohort presents a unique set of challenges that simply does not arise with smaller courses. When you recognize this essential aspect, you will choose the right strategy for setting up, running, and concluding a course. A quality simulation solution can be a powerful asset in providing a predictable and enjoyable course experience.

The specific approach will depend on the course format and tools used. At Simbound simulations, we can help you deliver large-scale digital marketing courses that have hundreds of students (or more) at a time using scalable, secure technology.