Building Interest, Agency, and Interaction in Online Learning Environments: A Toolkit for Superb Online Courses
Online learning allows for the flexible use of class-time for nontraditional students and telecommuting instructors while offering a way for colleges to expand their offerings without investing in brick-and-mortar classrooms. Online learning can also provide students with relevant technological skills while building important competencies such as self-learning, time management, research abilities, and academic writing skills. This webinar provides participants with the tools needed to construct online courses that build student agency and involvement, accommodate various learning styles, and provide support and encouragement to foster success. The framework provides the pedagogical rationale for each assignment, simple logistical and pragmatic considerations, content aimed at a variety of learning styles, and empowering students with a sense of personal efficacy. Specific methods for accomplishing these aims are discussed. The webinar facilitator has taught on-campus and online, including at state universities, technical colleges, and community colleges in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Rachel Austin, Adjunct Instructor of Sociology, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (NC)
Great presentation. It was very reassuring to know that I am already following all of the recommended practices. Providing weekly reminders and expected time requirements for assignments are two things that students respond very positively to. A VARK quiz is something that I will consider adding.
Dr. Vicki D. Vandervelde – Business Division
I love the idea of a checklist. I am already looking into how to implement them into my courses.
Leah Bryant, Business Division
I agree with Vicki- I’m doing much of this already and that is thanks to our DE team for their guidance. Great information and it has been very helpful in making online classes more organized and user friendly.
Suzy Rynier, Psychology
The entire presentation was informative, but the part the stood out most for me was Rule 5 “Give them agency”. I plan to implement this strategy with the discussion forums in some of my online classes to increase student participation and involvement.
-Denise Walker, Business Division
Thanks for the list of role playing ideas! That idea always comes up, but rarely with such clear examples attached.
Cameron Bentley, Augusta Technical College
Great presentation. I liked how she presented the rules for a better online course. Also, the VARK model for determining student learning styles was informative.
Kevin Ward – Business Division
This presentation was so encouraging and engaging! As Dr. Vandervelde said, it’s encouraging to hear that many of the methods we use are being used to great success elsewhere. I actually went and took the VARK test to see what it said my style of learning was (shockingly, my brain can’t decide so it uses them all, sarcasm fully intended). One method I like and plan to look into is the more frequent use of surveys. It seems like a quick and informal way to get feedback from students. More data = more information to work with.
Great presentation!
Miriam Holtzclaw, Accounting – Business Division