Revised assignment
Promote student learning PPT
Introduction
The shape of the online learning environment is very different from a traditional classroom. Therefore, special considerations need to be made in the development of online course, including the supportive services that are provided. Many online students are juggling hectic work, personal, and school lives and can benefit from a well-organized, supported educational experience. Among many of the essential needs of an online classroom, communication is vital. Students need to be able to contact their instructor for academic support.
Research
Effectively supporting the needs of online learners can be done by researching what works, implementing it, and making needed adjustments to fit each class of students. Research indicates online learners are supported when they are given opportunities to collaborate and actively participate, like in discussion posts, group projects, courses are designed with students in mind, instructors intervene when needed, students background knowledge is assessed, clear guidance about the direction of the course, and open communication (Kucuk, Genc-Kumtepe, & Tasci, 2010, p.40, 49)
Revisions explained
There are many strategies to support an online learner and I have outlined some of these ways in my PowerPoint presentation shown above. When considering what revisions to make I did more research on successful support strategies for online learners. What became clear is how essential it is for distant learners to have access to their professor in a non-technologically advanced way. This is why I made a small, but vital, change to my presentation, by adding phone communication as a way to support learners. The telephone is an effective communication tool that can be used for a variety of communication practices, in regards to online learning telephone communication between instructor and student may reduce the “transactional distance” (Belair, 2012, p.27) There are times when technology is not reliable or the asynchronous nature of an online class could get in the way of a student receiving the help they need. By providing a contact number, even if just a voicemail or text line, will provide an offline means of communication when needed.
Challenges Faced
In revising this assignment the challenge faced was finding current research about supportive online learning that was relevant to my assignment. I overcame this challenge by limiting my search to research done within the last five years and changing the wording of my search to diversify my search results.
Conclusion
The online classroom has unique needs, in comparison to a traditional classroom. When creating an online classroom student support services is vital to the success to any program. Included in this support is well planned learning environment including ways opportunities to participation and guidance. Providing communication opportunities in an online environment supports students and promotes success in the online classroom. Open communication is vital for creating a successful, effective learning environment.
References
Belair, M. (2012). The Investigation of Virtual School Communications. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 56(4), 26-33. doi:10.1007/s11528-012-0584-2. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=5&sid=765a3913-ff5e-4f9e-9857-66a1d55250c6%40sessionmgr4001&hid=4113
Kucuk, M., Genc-Kumtepe, E., & Tasci, D. (2010). Support Services and Learning Styles Influencing Interaction in Asynchronous Online Discussions. Educational Media International, 47(1), 39-56. Retrieved from Ashford Library http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=babbdc16-1294-4f2e-994e-6da0ed94be12%40sessionmgr115&hid=114
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