ROSEMARY QUINN

The instructor should monitor the online dialogue regularly and consistently. The interactions between participants should be analyzed and all learners should be encouraged to participate. Key points should be highlighted, and the dialogue is to be mainstreamed and focused.  The instructor should close and summarize each discussion respectively. Take away from this module: Monitoring of the thread decreases the risk of minimum discussion or dialogue that is unfocused.

Maintaining learner engagement is dependent up successful communication. Proper technology must be accompanied by policies and procedures to establish a viable learning environment. Appropriate communication can assist with achieving positive learning outcomes. Take away from this module is to understand the learner’s generation identity.

The rules and regulation regarding proper communication should be clearly defined. The syllabus or handbook is an excellent resource to outline the expectations as well as the consequences. Civility among learners is important as language and tone defines the environment. A key take away is for the instructor to reiterate policies and procedures regarding communication civility.

Identifying and choosing the adequate technological tool is essential. Communication between the learner and the instructor or other colleagues must be copacetic. When the technology system fails the process of communication deteriorates or fails completely. This could be a stressor for both the learners and the instructor. Therefore, knowing the risk and benefits of each tool is optimal. A positive strategy is to assess the efficacy of the communication tool at least every few weeks and collectively at he end of each term.

Exploring the many varieties of technological tools available to the learner are vast. Even though integrating these tools may require some effort on the instructors’ part; the rewards are great for the learner. A plan moving forward would be to integrate more of the technological tools into the class setting as well as group based work – specifically peer reflection.

The shift in education with an incline towards a “student centered” approach requires the student to do more than just listen. This requires the instructor to provide more guidance and direction for the e- learner. Strategies that are “low risk” should be integrated slowly into the course. In addition, the instructor should communicate frequently and consistently with the leaner by providing positive statements. In the future, using reverse instruction in the class may serve as beneficial as it affords the e-learner the opportunity to be responsible and reliable for the course content.

Misconceptions of “Active Learning” for e-learners is the difficulty of the work assignments. E-learners may find work more difficult and time consuming than learners in traditional classroom settings. Incorporating active learning techniques preset opportunities to build and test their knowledge without barriers to impede on fulfilling goals of self-actualization. A goal moving forward is to assure learners know upfront the expectations for the course as well as ideas on how to be successful.

Active learning techniques may give the sense of “loss of control” regarding instructor/student relationship or colleagues may criticize these non-traditional approaches. Instructors must let go of dogmatic methods and  ideas that could potentially stagnate student comprehension and afford the learner the ability to acquire knowledge in a manner that is not like that of the instructor. Implementing these strategies moving forward -  will create a positive educational environment, promote stability, and increase seat hours which support school retention.

Attrition can be caused by various factors. Instructors will need to be supportive of the e-learner and have strategies to counteract those factors when identified. Reminding students of available technical assistance and offering time management tips in relation to the level of commitment for the course. This type of support could potentially reduce the level of  attrition. Application of frequent communication and sharing of interventions with e- learners is definitely a great strategy moving forward. 

I have learned from this module that it is important for the instructor to understand the population as well as demographics. Having a small bit of information about your student can serve as the conduit to promote participation among e-learners that may have an avoidant learning style. Moving forward, being cognizant of homeostasis of learner participation within the classroom is a priority.