Activity
Engagement is achieved differently in Online courses as opposed to F2F courses & Student engagment is key. By utilizing the four "O"s (Origin, Organization, Orchestration, Outcomes Assessment) you stand a better chance of making an effective transition from F2F to On line. A key aspect of achieving this is matching adapted content with the appropriate technology to ensure optimum learning and interaction.
Some of the more powerful learning experinces in the online courses I have taught are when a student suggests an approach to a technique or method of problem solving, that is new to me., as well as the rest of the class. I celebrate these moments. Even if it is just something that I had not presented yet, but which lends to the subject at hand, I will highlight it. This helps to foster lateral leadership where students feel empowered to shre their perspectives knowing that it could be useful for the entire class.
Create a Communication Framework that 1) Fosters learner centeredness. 2) Fosters "Buy-In" by stucturing the course to allow for students to pull from their own experiences and and interests (when possible). 3) Give informative and timely Feedback. 4)Make expectations for engagment clear. (Put it in the syllabus.) 5) Review effectiveness of how material is presented based on learning oucomes.
Both Synchronous & Asynchronous methods have advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen based on which one will best deliver the learning outcomes. Establishing a clear Pattern of Teaching, developing clear guidelines, the course materials being organized, being clear with learning outcomes and ease of accesibility are all important factors in creating an effective online course, or any course for that matter.
It's not just utilizing online learning tools that is important, but assessing their effectiveness in delivering learning outcomes.
The section helped me to clarify the uses of the online tools that I am already using. Also, I will seek feedback from students earlier on in the class using the Stop/Go/Continue technique.
End of Content
End of Content