2
Introduction
A review of key considerations and tactics for building strong online learning communities.
Chapter Objectives
After reading and reviewing this chapter students will be able to:
- Describe how instructor presence in a course is key to student satisfaction.
- Design for engagement and motivation keeps students interested in the course.
- Foster good communication strategies helps keep online students on track.
Chapter Sections
- Connecting with Online Students
- Building a Learning Community
- End-of-Chapter Resources
Section 1: Connecting with Online Students
There are many tools which can be used for connecting with students in a blended or online course. Making use of programs such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, Blackboard Collaborate in the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS), or other virtual meeting programs can replicate a face-to-face meeting. Using asynchronous methods such as discussion forums, wikis, blogs, email, or other social media tools such as Facebook, Edmodo, YouTube, Twitter, and social bookmarking encourage active and collaborative learning among students and instructors. For the online instructor, the time investment can prove to be quite a challenge as the instructor’s presence must be felt on a regular and consistent basis. Students need to know that the instructor is available regularly and participates actively in the course – that he or she is present.
Once logged on to the course or course social media tool, an instructor can spend numerous hours dealing with various course management issues such as contacting students, providing feedback, addressing student concerns, drawing attention to misunderstandings, participating in discussions, and monitoring and grading assessments and assignments. To avoid unrealistic expectations, the students must be provided with specific information regarding the instructor’s availability and role in the online environment. As with any course resources, there are practical considerations which need to be addressed when delivering an online or blended course. Students and instructors may experience some issues with internet access, individual devices etc. These issues can often be solved by the instructor or the institution with relative ease.
In addition to the academic requirements of the course, the technical requirements should be very clear to students in advance of the start date. This will ensure that, except in extreme circumstances, all students will be able to fully participate in the course and meet all course requirements and expectations.
Work Smart, Not Hard
Social interaction in online courses should always be handled carefully and the instructor must be the role model and the moderator of such interactions. Use of humor can be problematic as students cannot see facial expressions or hear nuances of voice, so may not realize that humor is intended. For a similar reason, cultural sensitivity is vitally important and an instructor will have to be aware of the