With online learning, most of the learner population will be your nontraditional adult learners of different ages, educational backgrounds/experiences who are balancing work, family responsibilities, and other life commitments. By understanding these personal experiences, it can help educators identify areas where flexibility, clearer communication, and additional academic support can help improve the learning experience.
This course reinforced the importance of introductions/social engagement. Having a present instructor, especially in an online course, is vital because it will allow the learner to feel supported and have that sense of connection, even when it is through a screen. Having an organized LMS and providing a syllabus early can help the learner prepare for the upcoming course, and would also have a way to contact the instructor in case of any clarifications needed. Providing feedback to the student regularly through structured rubrics or during office hours go a long way and have been met with positivity.
Lastly, student engagement is very important when it comes to online learning. Every learner has a different learning style, so the instructor must have different learning strategies/methods in their course. Discussion boards about the material of the week, requiring relevant responses and replies to each other, interactive activities that may include simulations, videos, flashcards, quizzes. These can also involve active learning strategies, such as reviewing required reading/material before attending Skills Lab so that the learner can participate in active discussion and have some confidence in practicing a skill, Case-Based Learning scenarios.
By utilizing these important strategies, online/blended learning can be impactful and a positive experience for learners.
