Setting
Up Effective Online Learning Experiences
One of the most essential steps for
setting up effective online learning experiences for adult learners is getting
acquainted. Getting to know each other is the foundation of building trust and
presence for the teaching and learning experiences (Boettcher & Conrad,
2010, p.51). This allows learners to be a part of an understanding environment
for reaching out and risking beliefs in discussions. Another essential step for
setting up effective online learning experiences for adult learners is for the
instructor to ensure that all learners are engaged, present, and participating.
According to Conrad and Donaldson (2004) (as cited by Boettcher & Conrad,
2010), the faculty member focuses on providing positive, supportive, and
encouraging comments about the overall course process and clarifies course
expectations and the types of learning experiences in the course requirements.
Clear and concise guidelines about what is expected of learners and what they
should in turn expect from the instructor will go a long way in ensuring
understanding and satisfaction in the online community.
In addition, the instructor must
also take into account the creation and design of discussions and content. The
instructor must create engaging and challenging discussion questions with clear
rubrics for assessing the online discussions. Creating engaging discussions is
one of the highest priorities for a new course (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010,
p.56). Discussions are the core of online teaching and learning and critical
for effective online socialization and cognitive engagement.
Reference
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R.
(2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical
tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
I think it would be very challenging to create good discussion questions. In all my online experience I am not aware of a single occasion where the instructor created the discussion questions. Each course has been "canned" by the institution and taught as presented by an instructor. Much of the reading I have done has referred to creating content, expectations, and discussions but I am wondering if this is just wishful thinking? Perhaps someone with online teaching experience can comment???
ReplyDeleteGetting acquainted with the learners should always be the first priority. Just like in a traditional classroom, the moment the classroom teacher gets to know the names of all the students, the first hurdle is crossed. Then, when the teacher knows personal interests and likes and dislikes and uses it in conversations, that student is won over. This is difficult in an online classroom. So, icebreaker activities to get to know students will work very well.
ReplyDeleteJZ:
ReplyDeleteWhile it is true that the discussion assignments are generally created by course designers, the instructor can strengthen the discussion by posing questions during the week. There are often very "teachable moments" that arise during the week, in which an instructor can encourage deeper thinking by asking questions. There is also the opportunity to redirect conversations that may have gotten off topic, or having students explore another avenue for thinking.