The online learning environment is an important part to education to provide a positive and open environment for students. Building a useful tool for students provide the opportunity for students to acquire skills. The tools provide, “more opportunities that are made available to students to increase their comfort level with course tools, the sooner the actual course content can be introduced” (Conrad & Donaldson, 2011). It is important to have a tool that prepares the student before the course launch. Another important tip to have is developing a communication method. Technical issues do arise and how to resolve.
Technology Available
There are many kinds of technology tools that an instructor can integrate into their online learning. The instructor must research the best technology for their students. The technology can be an effective way to help students in the course.
Communicating Expectations
A key to create an online learning environment is communication a clear expectation to students. The online course provides many different ways to communicate. “Clarifying how all this work and sometimes might not work can help create a smooth and trusting learning environment” (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010).
A well design rubric is one way to communicate the objective of the course to the student. The instructor needs to expresses the expectation to the students on the first day of the course.
Additional Consideration
An essential part to an online course it is the use of a syllabus that details the assignment, weekly plans, and discussion post. A course site is designed to increase the interaction between student and instructor. The online environment is a great place to gather all the resources of the course.
References:
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R.-M. (2010). Theoretical foundations: Ten core learning principles. In The Online Teaching Survival Guide: Simple and Practical Pedagogical Tips (pp. 18-35). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2011). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction (Updated ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
What a great review. A few of the points you made related to clear expectations are ones that I expanded on from reading this week’s learning resources as well. One that I continue to struggle with is communicating clear expectations. I know the importance of it and the need to do it early and often. But, the question I struggle with is how much is too much. I think that sometimes students might get annoyed that the instructor provides too many instructions and maybe they feel that the instructor thinks they are incapable. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteAnnie
I also think communication is the key, whether it be in the syllabus,course home page or any of the discussion pages. Since the class is entirely online then this is even more important. Without communication early on, students do not have a roadmap to be successful. Good post!
ReplyDeleteKatie –
ReplyDeleteI agree that the best technology should be determined first and foremost. If the instructor and the learners need additional training on a certain technology most online schools offer assistance through professional development opportunities and technology related help desks. The Internet is also a good source for training on just about any technology tool through forums, YouTube offerings, etc. (Boettcher & Conrad, 2011)
Recently I needed to know if I could use a wireless mouse with my ipad. I did quick Internet search on “ipad + wireless mouse” hundred of hits returned. I was able to find out that yes it is possible and gained the knowledge as to which apps were required.
I concur that a well developed syllabus is important to clearly communicating expectations.
References:
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R.-M. (2010). Theoretical foundations: Ten core learning principles. In The Online Teaching Survival Guide: Simple and Practical Pedagogical Tips (pp. 18-35). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Michelle
Katie,
ReplyDeleteYour statement, "It is important to have a tool that prepares the student before the course launch" is one I fully agree with and can say, from observation, that the failure to ensure that the learners have a minimal level of technology competency, and that they are familiar with the funtions of course management system, will have an immediate impact on the level of satisfaction for the online learning experience. It is also important that the course material online be well organized and kept up to date.
Students who are new to online learning may have many challenges, and the instructor should be sure to avoid letting technology become one.
If an instructor views the course, as a student, prior to the start of class, he/she will better understand the navigation and any potential pitfalls or confusions that could arise.
Carol Biegun-Gooding