Setting up an online learning environment
In their video, Palloff and Pratt (n.d.) emphasize the importance of the first two weeks of the course, pointing out that most attrition occurs in the first week of an online course. They discuss the importance of creating a sense of belonging for each student, and the importance of building that learning community that was discussed in the previous posting. In order to get the course started on a positive note, the instructor should consider presence, community, patience, and clear expectations (Boerrcher & Conrad, 2010).
Course presence encompasses social presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence. Boerrcher and Conrad identify presence as the key to the successful launch of a course. Creating a social presence is a critical first step in creating the learning community. Activities such as icebreakers, posting bios, and introductions help participants recognize other students and the instructor as real people, as opposed to simply a name on a computer screen. The process of introducing participants to one another and making connections among these participants is perhaps the most important step in creating an environment for effective online learning (Palloff & Pratt, n.d.; Boerrcher & Conrad, 2010). Cognitive presence in relates to understanding of learning goals, while the teaching presence addresses course materials and expectations.A number of factors contribute to the creation of successful course presence. Availability of appropriate technology tools is one. The technology needs to be appropriate for the needs, and the instructor must be able to effectively use the technology. Key needs typically include the ability to manage communication, deliver content, submit completed assignments, and complete assessments. The instructor must be comfortable with the use of the technology tools prior to the course kick-off so he or she is not stumbling, and he or she should confirm that the tools and applications are appropriate for the needs and pedagogy of the specific course. For instance, in a synchronous environment, the instructor may want to use tools such as instant messaging, online chat rooms, and live virtual meetings. Discussion boards or blogs may be better for asynchronous environments.
Another key to a successful course is setting clear expectations for students. Because online students are typically separated by distance and time, it is critical for the instructor to provide clear and complete information for students. Tools to support this need include a detailed syllabus, learning objectives, documented expectations, course materials or related resources, rubrics and grading processes, support contacts for when issues arise, and other processes, schedules, or structures (Boerrcher & Conrad, 2010).
Other considerations include ensuring that students are registered for the courses are able to access the information, and know how to use the technology tools in order to access content and reference material, submit work, complete an assessment, contact the instructor, or find additional help.
This week, I discovered the tremendous number of structures, processes, and contact strategies that are required to successfully initiate an online learning experience. Some of the top take-aways from this week's resources is the importance of welcoming students and providing a supportive environment. The human connection is critical in preventing the feeling of isolation and the feeling that there is an unmanned computer providing feedback and support. Clearly, human connections and proactive support structures are keys to support student in those first two weeks where the commit to the course or become an attrition statistic.
References
Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (n.d.). Launching the online learning experience [Video]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6493411&Survey=1&47=5871191&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Pasricha, N. (2009). 1000 awesome things: A time-ticking countdown of 1000 awesome things. Retrieved from http://1000awesomethings.com/2009/09/16/677-when-youre-awkwardly-standing-by-yourself-with-a-full-cafeteria-tray-of-food-and-then-suddenly-spot-your-friend-waving-at-you/which-way-do-you-go/
Great post! I like that you also mentioned the importance of creating a social presence. The text says so much about how to establish that presence - like with the introduction posting similar to the one we are creating within the course. You are absolutely right in saying that the human connection is one of the most important elements of an online course environment and, as instructors, we are responsible for maintaining and developing that environment.
ReplyDeleteWonderful synthesis, Janet, of the considerations in establishing an online environment! In addition to the issue of presence, community, patience and clear expectations, I'd add the importance of double checking the "workability" of the course or training. This week's topic focuses on the human factor from the perspective of the learner and getting him to feel comfortable in the course and open to the idea of developing a community of learning. "Workability" probably should be listed under the category of additional considerations - preparation.
ReplyDeleteUnder additional considerations one could make sure that the course design and layout provide good flow. This idea isn't something on the getting started checklist but is considered further back in the planning and development stage. Nonetheless, it is important to make it logical and easy for a visitor to get around the course site. Pages that are at a dead end with no link back to somewhere else are going to create an unfavorable impression on any visitor.
Another consideration is to make sure that all the links that are created which lead to embedded material or lead to activities, assessments and further resources work. Broken links and missing visuals also can create an unfavorable impression. Directions need to be clear how and when to gain such access. We've probably experienced such problems at times trying to get to a required or optional reading.
Things like this also contribute to establishing a favorable learning environment for a new or an experienced online learner.
Excellent additions to the list of key considerations. Thank you!
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