Setting Up an Online Learning Experience

What is the significance of knowing the technology available to you? 

Technology is essential in online courses, which allows learners to effectively communicate with one another and complete coursework assignments.  Technology has allowed us to make connections, which in turn makes distance education an effective method of education.  It’s pertinent for learners to know all the possible technological tools so that they can successfully communicate with instructors and collaborate with other learners.  The instructor is able to guide learners and foster their learning through the use of technological tools.  One of the most important tools learners need to familiarize themselves with is the CMS system that their institution uses (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010, p. 57).  Most institutions use Blackboard as well as other CMS pages for coursework.  It’s crucial for the instructor to incorporate essential tools for the course (Boettcher, 2010, p. 57).  Starting off with basic tools and then building upon them with different types of technology, is a good way to enhance learning.  For instance, integrating blogs, wikis, or media rich applications are a great way to start a distance learning course.  The quantity and quality of technology tools used in an online course is a vital decision that the instructor needs to make in order to engage and motivate learners. 

Why is it essential to communicate clear expectations to learners?

Creating clear expectations at the beginning of an online course is important because most of the work requires students work and interpret the material independently.  Since there may be new technology tools introduced and the students are required to use throughout the course, it’s imperative for the instructor to set the expectations for all learners.  This allows the learners to look over the tools and materials the instructor wants them to use and if there are any misunderstandings, the learners can communicate that with the instructor in the beginning.   Boettcher & Conrad (2011) stated, “clear and unambiguous guidelines about what is expected of learners and what they should expect from an instructor make significant contribution to ensure understanding and satisfaction in an online course”(p.55).  Knowing what is expected will allow learners to achieve course goals and remain successful. 

What additional considerations should the instructor take into account when setting up an online learning experience?

Other additional considerations that instructors could use when setting up an online learning experience are: supporting the development of social and cognitive presence, and incorporating essential course pieces such as the syllabus and weekly teaching guides (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010).  Interaction and presence are essential elements for online learners.  Regular and timely interaction of faculty with students is one of the key quality indicators of online courses (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010, p. 75).  Also, providing a snap shot of the course assignments and outcomes allows learners to plan their lives and establish routines.

Conclusion:

I have learned about a wide variety of strategies instructors can use in order to establish an effective learning community that promotes student success.  There are a number of steps an instructor needs to take establish social presence and a collaborative learning environment.  This presence continues throughout the course which allows learners to effectively communicate and collaborate with the instructor as well as one another. .  Dr. Palloff and Dr. Pratt explain the importance of making personal connections to students and to avoid “cookie cutter” experiences is essential in the online environment (Laureate Education, n.d.).  It’s also imperative for the instructor to set clear expectations, incorporate weekly guides, discussion boards and a syllabus so that students can effectively plan their lives and develop a deeper level of understanding.    

References:

Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010).  The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips.  San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Laureate Education Inc.  (n.d.).  Launching the online learning experience [Video Podcast].  Retrieved from: https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2098594_1%26url%3D

Online Learning Communities

Online learning communities impact student learning dramatically throughout a distance learning course.  In the video about online learning communities, Paloff and Pratt (n.d.) discuss how creating a community online among students and instructors, is essential.  They point out that the interaction between learners helps create a deeper level of understanding.  They also stated that interaction between students, as well as instructor, positively affects student performance and the overall outcome of course effectiveness.  An online community is grounded in the social constructivist model, in which a learner builds knowledge through interactions with other learners and the instructor.

Online learning communities significantly impact both student learning and satisfaction within the course by allowing students to create connections.  The community members support each other and challenge one another, helping each other add to his or her prior knowledge.  The community provides safety, positive connections and a comfortable environment in which to learn (Palloff & Pratt, n.d.).  The instructor needs to provide an environment where students feel comfortable and safe to take risks and interact with other learners. Every learning experience occurs in an environment in which the learner interacts with the content, knowledge, skill or expert (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010, p. 29).   The responsibility for these experiences lies not only on the instructor, but on the students as well.

The essential elements of online community building include people with a common purpose and a process that brings them together.  Other important methods are communication among students as well as creating a presence among the community to achieve course goals.  Palloff & Pratt (n.d.) address the presence as your online persona, which is what others see you as an online individual.  The purpose of a course should be outlined so that the learner can have a clear description of what is expected of him or her.  The instructor should provide many opportunities for student interaction through the use of forums or projects, which allows the learners to respond to thought provoking questions about the material they are assigned each week.  The Instructor must also set clear goals for the course and establish those early and often. These goals provide the learner with the direction they are heading and what they will accomplish by participating in this course.

In order to create and sustain a successful online community, it’s imperative that the instructor engages the learner within the first two weeks (Palloff & Pratt, n.d.).  As a fourth grade teacher, I establish routines and try and build a positive community between all of my students, within the first two weeks of school.  This is a very crucial time for students to interact with one another and build positive relationships.  Creating that environment helps students feel comfortable and able to take risks.  Sustaining the learning community requires the achievement of individuals and commitment to the community goals and expectations.




References
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (n.d.).  Online Learning Communities [Video].  Retrieved fromhttp://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6493411&Survey=1&47=5871191&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1