Week 7

EDET 674 Week 7 Essential Question: How can we support students in being successful in our online course?

There are many ways we can support students being successful in our online courses. First of all, students who have never taken an online course before should attend orientation. This could lessen the tension or anxiety the student might have. The orientation meeting can help students become familiar with procedures, expectations, course materials, accessing content on the web, submitting assignments, etc. (Moore, et.al, page 153). The orientation can also discuss ways to be successful when taking online classes. The discussion can include: time management, study skills, goal setting, motivation, learning preferences, and technology skills (www.pcc.edu).

Another way we can help students be successful in taking online classes is making sure each and every one of your students has access. This could be access to the Internet, access to support services, access to technology, etc. (page 157). I think one of the biggest factors in determining the success of your students, is learning about their cultural and educational background (page 160). They might not have Internet at home, or lack of support in their education. Learning about your students can help you provide the support or access they need to be successful online learners.

“One thing online and in-class courses have in common is that students still need a place to study or complete assignments, whether that’s at a coffee shop, the school library, or at home,” (Lytle, 2013). To help students be successful online learners, we can advise them to have a consistent study schedule and location. We can also teach them how to stay organized, or find their own ways to stay on top of their work. “Students really need to be organized from the beginning to be successful in an online course,” (Lytle, 2013).

According to Morrison, we should provide students resources in technical, academic and study planning, to help them be successful online learners. Resources for technical skills include basic web skills: e-mail, uploading files, using Google drive, bookmarking sites, Blackboard, etc. Resources for academic skills include: writing help (OWL, e-tutoring, grammar, and math (Kahn Academy). Resources for study skills include study habits, time management, tracking due dates, and staying on track.

There are many ways we can help our students be successful online learners. A few things that have helped me be successful are staying consistent and organized. I set myself schedules, and keep everything organized. I think these two factors go together. I know for sure if I wasn’t consistent and staying on top of everything, my work would be unorganized and I wouldn’t be able to complete my assignments.

Resources:

Lytle, R. (2013, January 14). 5 Tips to Succeed in an Online Course. Retrieved October 18, 2016, from http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2013/01/14/5-tips-to-succeed-in-an-online-course

Moore, Michael G., and Greg Kearsley. Distance Education: A Systems View of Online Learning. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Morrison, D. (2014, April 09). Resources to Help Students Be Successful Online in Three Areas: Technical, Academic & Study Planning. Retrieved October 18, 2016, from https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/resources-to-help-students-be-successful-online-in-three-areas-technical-academic-study-planning-skills/

Portland Community College. (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2016, from https://www.pcc.edu/about/distance/students/tips-for-success/