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.
Comment on Maegan Moore's post: Great insight Maegan! When students are interacting regularly and meaningfully, you have a better chance at catching misconceptions and misunderstandings more quickly and can offer remediation and corrective feedback. Staying engaged with the student and supporting them throughout their learning can significantly boost their confidence and keep them focused.
While recent research evidence has dismissed learning styles as having a significant impact on student learning and success, I do believe that people do have preferred ways they like to learn things. Nevertheless, the format of the content should match the outcome of the learning goal, and instructors should use multiple delivery methods in their instruction. The Avoidant, Competitive and Dependent categories mentioned in the lesson seem more like social interaction profiles rather than learning styles or learning preferences. These categories describe how students communicate and interact with others in the course, not necessarily how they choose to learn.
Engaging learners online requires creating interactive experiences and encouraging active participation. I plan to use more discussions and timely feedback to keep students involved and motivated.
The focus is on asynchronous promoting discussions that do not happen at the same time vs synchronous discussions that occur in real time. The preferred method is asynchronous. Learning styles that influence student participation include collaborative, participant, and independent. Strategies to promote learner participation is driven by class size. Feedback should be timely, build confidence, appropriate tone.
This module helped me reflect on the importance of managing the online learning environment in a structured, fair and supportive way. Effective record management, clear communication rules, timely feedback, and well-organised student support are essential to prevent confusion and reduce unnecessary workload. I will apply this in my classes by creating clear folders and naming conventions for assignments, using dedicated spaces in the learning platform for general questions and FAQs, and setting clear expectations for response times. I will also monitor participation more carefully, support quiet or struggling students through personalised messages, and manage disruptive or procrastinating behaviour by referring consistently to institutional policies and assessment rules. Overall, these strategies will help me create a more organised, inclusive and professional learning environment for my students.
The module highlights the importance of creating an active, supportive and well-structured online learning environment. I found the distinction between asynchronous and synchronous discussions particularly valuable, as asynchronous forums can give students more time to reflect, participate and engage critically, while synchronous sessions are better used for clarification, support and small-group interaction. I will apply this in my classes by designing weekly discussion forums aligned with learning outcomes, using clear netiquette rules, providing concise prompts, and summarising key points at the end of each discussion. I will also use small-group activities to encourage quieter students to participate, offer timely and confidence-building feedback, and maintain a visible teaching presence through regular communication and personalised support. These strategies will help me create a more inclusive and engaging learning experience for all students.
This module taught me how to effectively engage students in synchronous and asynchronous discussion posts and how to provide effective and constructive criticism
The similarities, differences, advantages, and disadvantages of synchronous vs asynchronous discussion was helpful.
The difference between syncronous and asyncronous. Keeping students engaged.
One thing i learned is that students have different styles of learning, sometimes it might feel difficult to keep students engaged but switching up styles will help students keep engaged in learning.
It was most interesting for me to learn about the "dependent" style of learning. I have been seeing this for years and really had no way to classify it, but now will be doing more research on how I can better help to manage this style of learner, both online and in person, to encourage a more interactive learning style for them.
Consistent and timely effective feedback provides the student with security and trust that the Instructor will respond to their emails and provide them with instruction, clarification and other assistance they may need.
We should manage our online time in such away that benefit students and give feedback on timely mannaer.
learners will have different styles at different time
I learned to recognize the differences between synchronous and asynchronous learning, as well as the importance of keeping students actively engaged in both formats. Synchronous learning allows for real-time interaction, immediate feedback, and a stronger sense of connection, while asynchronous learning offers flexibility and gives students time to process and respond at their own pace.
Because each format has its strengths, it’s important to use strategies that maintain engagement in both. This might include interactive discussions and live participation during synchronous sessions, along with meaningful assignments, clear communication, and regular feedback in asynchronous settings. Balancing these approaches helps ensure that all students stay involved and supported in their learning.
At the instructor its important to have regular engagement with the online students. Reg engagement helps the student feel comfortable and gives them direstion.
As the instructor, I must find ways to provide feedback that is actionable and engaging.
I learned how to differentiate teaching approaches for synchronous and asynchronous settings, using specific strategies to support student success.
The most important point from this unit is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous in terms of which one to should be used according to the size of the group. Synchronous learning should be used in one-on-one situations while asynchronous learning should be used with the entire group.
