Engaging Learners | Origin: EL102
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Online Teaching Techniques --> Engaging Learners
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
My takeaway from this module is to be more attentive to the students to keep help them engage more.
Virtual education allows the student to enjoy more flexible schedulle.
Increase collaboration and enhanced time management.
Online learning offers significant advantages primarily deriving by flexibility, cost saving and increaced accessibility.
Synchronous sessions work best as one-on-one sessions
I learned the advantages and disadvantages of both synchronous and asynchronous teaching and ways to improve student engagement.
In this module I learned that asynchronous discussions are more helpful generally than synchronous because of differences in learners daily lives i.e, schedule, time zone. Students will be more engaged and be able to maintain with these types of discussions.
As stated in one section of this module regarding guidelines for the instructor who is providing feedback to the online student, (1) feedback should be provided on a timely basis (2) in such a way that they build confidence within learners and encourage them to continue to pursue the course objectives, and (3) when feedback contains criticisms, choose the correct tone and wording to avoid damaging the learner's dignity. So, below I have provided examples of each of the above three guidelines.
Providing timely feedback:
Example: "Hi Sarah, I’ve returned your week 1 essay within 48 hours so you can apply these comments on thesis statement structure to your annotated bibliography due next Monday."
Building confidence and encouraging objectives:
Example: "Your analysis of the case study was very insightful, specifically how you connected the theory to the real-world scenario. Your passion for this topic really shines through! Keep pushing this critical thinking in the upcoming discussion forum."
Constructive criticism with appropriate tone:
Example: "You have a strong understanding of the core concepts, but the argument in paragraph four could be stronger with more empirical evidence, meaning information acquired through direct observation, experimentation, or sensory experience, rather than theory, intuition, or logic alone. Instead of stating 'the proof is missing,' state it differently by encouraging the student to check the rubric and add a peer-reviewed source to support that point for a higher grade next time.
Muy importante de las cosas que he aprendido en este módulo son las estrategias que deben aplicarse para dar asistencia tutorial a los estudiantes y la pertinencia del lenguaje que debe utilizarse para no desmotivar a los estudiantes. Me gustó la explicación respecto de los diferentes tipos de aprendizaje que existen y como se deben establecer al inicio de las clases para poder utilizar estrategias que permitan desarrollar un aprendizaje efectivo
I learned that synchronous discussion is most helpful with one student. While the majority of the class should be done in an asynchronous approach.
I learned that synchronous discussions are tricky and with that they require different strategy than asynchronous discussions.
In online learning it is important to create a supportive learning environment. It helps students to become and stay engaged as well as increases their confidence in the abilities.
Comment on Glen Brown's post: Agree! I have been a student in some courses with over 50 students. The way my university handled this was by assigning students to groups of 7-10. This strategy had both positive and negative aspects.
The main takeaway for me in this module is the importance of carefully designing good questions to encourage student learning for asynchronous and synchronous discussions. I plan to follow up with a refresher course on question design that includes more than just "make sure the question is open-ended".
I learned that asynchronous discussions are more helpful generally than synchronous because of differences in learners schedules, time zones, and how quickly they can read and type. Asynchronous discussion allows all learners to participate more equally.
I learned that engaging learners in an online course requires more than just presenting information; it involves creating opportunities for students to actively participate and stay connected to the material. This topic helped me see the value of using discussions, interactive activities, clear communication, and varied teaching methods to keep students interested and motivated. I plan to apply this by making my online lessons more interactive, encouraging participation, and designing activities that help students feel involved and supported throughout the course.
Student engagement only solidifies the success of the students and their future. If the students are not succeeding in class, they will not succeed in their degrees.
I learned that good feedback and responses are critical in the e-learning environment, especially because of the lack of nonverbal communication. Reponses that help to build confidence and encourage learners to keep going is important, as well as well-worded constrictive criticism.
I have learnt that getting everyone involved in the asynchronous discussion is very important. Your response to feedback shows your commitment to student success.
