Workshop Topic Detail
5 Proven Strategies for Increasing Engagement and Retention in the Online Classroom
Description
In today's digital age, the effectiveness of online teaching hinges on more than just delivering content—it requires intentional engagement and retention strategies. Just as in traditional classrooms, online courses must be interactive and stimulating to cultivate an interactive learning environment. Facilitating an online course demands structured assignments and dynamic engagement. Successful online learning experiences require meaningful interactions between faculty and students, coupled with relevant activities that deepen comprehension and foster collaboration. This workshop empowers participants with innovative approaches tailored to enhance student retention, persistence, and success rates in online learning environments. By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with actionable techniques to invigorate their online teaching, foster a vibrant, interactive, and ultimately successful educational experience for their students.
By the end of this workshop, participants will know or be able to:
- Enhance online discussions by connecting real-life examples to the required textbook readings to increase student interest.
- Facilitate student belonging and sharing through reflection paragraphs. When students feel heard and valued, they do better in online classrooms.
- Implement a successful group project for online classrooms without feeling overwhelmed by trying to get students to meet deadlines or by student excuses about working on a group project.
Plans for Audience Participation and Interaction:
This workshop is a "hands on" and " how to" experience. As each strategy is explored, participants engage in activities and exercises they can implement right away. The workshop facilitator shares strategies and activities she has used in her own online classrooms. A workbook is provided that participants can refer to as they transform their classrooms. Groups of participants share ideas and collaborate on activities and exercises. By the end of the workshop, participants know how to implement the provided strategies in their online classrooms.
Facilitator(s)
Marsha Lynn Hudson has been an educator for over 22 years. She has been an adjunct instructor at the University of Houston-Downtown, the University of Phoenix, and Letourneau University. Marsha taught full time for Wharton County Jr. College as a Professor of Literature for 22 years. Marsha received her Ed.S. degree from Walden University. Teaching and training are what Marsha Hudson is all about. In the current phase of her life, Marsha enjoys facilitating professional development workshops to her fellow educators who are still in the classroom.
Marsha also trains entrepreneurs on social media and online marketing for the UH-Small Business Development Center. She is a professional headshot and lifestyle photographer who works with her husband, a drone pilot and videographer. Marsha is an author, speaker, podcaster, trainer, and education consultant. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, walking, nature, yoga, and road trips. Most days, Marsha can be found at a local coffee house or bookstore with a pen and paper in one hand and a coffee in the other.