I found the history of distance education in the US and the emphasis on navigational simplicity of online courses particularly relevant.
Distance learning has changed over time from mailings to online engagement and response. Over 21% of colleges offer at least 1 online course. It is also vital how the online course is presented to the learner. This can enhance or reduce learning.
Barriers to online learning can vary depending on the learner, instructor, institution, and the learning environment. Some areas that can be barriers are
- Technology Access & Reliability
Barrier: Students may not have reliable internet or access to up-to-date devices.
Impact: Missed classes, inability to access course materials, or difficulty submitting assignments.
- Motivation and Self-Discipline
Barrier: Without face-to-face accountability, students may struggle with time management and staying motivated.
Impact: Higher dropout rates, missed deadlines, and reduced engagement.
- Communication Gaps
Barrier: Miscommunication due to unclear instructions, delayed responses, or lack of feedback.
Impact: Confusion about expectations and decreased student satisfaction.
Although online learning offers flexibility, I think one challenge that isn't always discussed is the technology barrier.
Online courses are structured in modules. Each module a main subject of what you are teaching
Online courses or online education is the new platform that instructors need to engage in. The current generation of learners are tech oriented and their use of technology is an indication of education's direction.
Student engagement in online courses can result in increased student retention. It is also important for online courses to be easy for students to navigate.
I completed a MA in Military History online in 2020. Online classes are awesome!
The online learning experience requires the creative use of available multimedia technologies to effectively relay information to the learner and to encourage interaction with the instructor and other learners.
It's important to use the technology in a way that facilitates and centers the students' learning experience. Learning activities need to help them to effectively develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a connection to the other students.
The components of online course design are technology driven and seek to retain learner interest and engagement for retention.
To achieve higher levels of information retention, course content should be a combination of quality media and a high level of intellectual interaction.
The term interaction is used within this context to refer to intellectual interaction with the instructional content; rather than merely clicking. Include interactions aimed at assessing the comprehension of the content that has been studied, or to retrieve and activate additional information the learner can use to promote or advance learning.
I feel that we have to design online courses with the students in center of our teaching goals, using different and moderns techniques of education.
we have to design online courses with the students in center of our teaching goals, using diferents and moderns techniques of education
Creating a new way of teachinga and understanding that time changes the expectation, the way and the logic of teaching is important.
Comment on DENEEN STOKES's post: I agree that the ease of navigating the course is important. Critical thinking and applying what students have learned is also helpful, especially if it can relate to real-world applications.
Making the site easy to navigate reduces frustration for the student and instructor. Also creating case studies for student and instructor interaction and discussions validate the reading and comprehension of the material.
I learned that navigational simplicity of course content, intellectual interaction with teachers and students, and keeping students engaged are all important.
Multiple ways to engage the student. One cautionary note: we have moved to reduce the noise in our online courses. Students are weary of information bombardment.
