Activity+Eight

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The Need for e-Learning

Link to MindMap preparing for advice presentation.

Click below to view recorded webinar on using AnyMeeting Software @http://www.anymeeting.com/digitaldon/E157DF8682

**Reflection**

In reflecting upon the training presentation provided to the instructors at Bryan College, I realized that this tool will be a good bridge for traditional instructors to being a transition to online. The tools provided within the conference room allow for demonstration and dialog which are good for auditory and visual learners. Missing elements from the tool are the ability for the attendee to physically interact with the elements of the demonstration, and the lack of a collaborative work space. Never-the-less this tool is an excellent opportunity for student engagement.

As I created the Mindmap for this project, I realized how many elements go into providing meaningful learning experiences online, and the amount of training that can be involved in preparing a new online instructor. Those who ventured first into this arena have my acknowledgement of appreciation. If one ventures into online education alone, it can be somewhat intimidating, unless one has a love for experimentation with technology. The Mindmap became quite detailed as I used it for a brainstorming tool. The beauty of the Mindmap is that it graphically displays all the linked ideas that come to mind. This being the first Mindmap I have used, I was really amazed at its possibilities. It can be used as a collaborative tool or a presentation tool.

The following quote from //Strategies to Engage Online Students and Reduce Attrition Rates// represents my goal as department chair in a concise statement: “Prior to designing their first online course, educators should consider what online teaching requires. Educators may want to participate in a course design workshop and complete self–assessments tools to determine whether their teaching styles are compatible with online methods. E-learning conferences could incorporate more workshops that will assist educators in transitioning from the traditional classroom to the online classroom and include not only technology skills but also strategies to successfully engage and integrate distance learners (Angelino, et al 2007).”

In regard to the presentation for preparing faculty interested in teaching online, this was developed out of a request from instructors to have training on the use of web conferencing software. The goal for using this tool is another avenue to increase student engagement in the online class. This is one of four strategies for reducing attrition rates with online students (Angelino, et al 2007 ).

References

Angelino, L., Williams, F., & Natvig, D. (2007) Strategies to engage online students and reduce attrition rates. The Journal of Educators Online, Volume 4, Number 2, July 2007.

This is a copy of a table put together by Angelino, Williams, and Natvig (2007) to concisely present the four strategies of online student engagement that they posit in the above referenced article.
 * **Strategy ** || **Rationale ** ||
 * ** Student Integration and Engagement ** ||
 * • Initiate contact with student via phone call. || • Early and frequent contact with students is critical. ||
 * • Conduct a pre-course orientation. || • Establishes a foundation for the learning environment for all students. Assess each student's pre-existing knowledge, cultural perspectives, and comfort level with technology to be used in class. ||
 * • Facilitate informal online chats through the course website. || • Encourages spontaneous interactions among students and faculty that may build positive relationships and the foundation for learning communities. ||
 * ** Learner-Centered Approach ** ||
 * • Begin courses with "Virtual Icebreakers" to stimulate communication. || • Opens the lines of communication with students as early as possible. ||
 * • Post your introduction and encourage students to post their introduction. || • Allows all participants an opportunity to learn more about each other (student to student and instructor to student). ||
 * ** Learning Communities ** ||
 * • Develop group projects and assignments that encourage students to develop relationships with other members of the learning community so together they can explore existing knowledge and expand their knowledge base together. || • Learning communities may help students overcome physical separation, feeling of isolation, lack of support, and feeling disconnected. Students that engage in the learning process with their cohorts may develop a sense of community thus reducing attrition levels. ||
 * ** Online Student Services ** ||
 * • Provide online access to a variety of services including assessments, educational counseling, registration, technical support, study skills assistance, career counseling, library services, students' rights and responsibilities, and governance. || • Focuses on the learner's needs; not just, what is easy. Online students may have similar needs for assistance and resources as traditional students. ||
 * • Student government meetings on campus should be made available in electronic format. || • Provides distance education students an opportunity to participate in student governance as traditional students. ||  ||   ||