I this module, I learned about some methods that help engage online learners. I usually arrange synchronous sessions (or one-to-one meetings) to go over the assignments and answer any questions the students might have related the weekly assignments. I regularly provide feedback and ask the students to provide feedback about the course, as well.
I leaned how important is it for online learners the establishment of connections between themselves and faculty. Those connections include student-to-student and student-to-instructor interactions. Just a nice “welcome to course” email could be a beginning of the relationships. It sets the tone for the beginning and encourages students’ interactions. Putting the Instructor’s Bio information with some pictures in the announcement or student lounge, makes the relationships between the student and instructors “more human”, and the students do not get intimidated to ask questions or to share their opinions in class.
I learned that leaving efficient feedback is crucial for students’ learning experience. I should explain the students the details about what did they do right and what went wrong in their assignment. It is very important to leave positive and motivational feedback. I would send a video or audio feedback, which is liked by students. I can express emotions and excitement in those media comments that is hard to do in just typed comments.
I learned that it is useful to send friendly reminders about the due dates. Working students sometimes get busy in their part-time or full tine jobs and these reminders are always appreciated.
