How to engage online students – it’s not just discussion boards!

Introductions Tim Park Assistant Professor of Business 10 years of keeping students awake for an hour at a time Lets see if I can work the same magic with you! T

Introductions Dr. Randy Jackson Chair: Division of Business/Computer Science Over 16 years of Online Teaching Experience Sorry Dawg, I’m not that Randy Jackson R

Kahoot: https://kahoot.it PIN: 459029 R

What do students want from an instructor? Clear Expectations Access to Instructor Positive Learning Environment Stimulation Course Materials T

How Do We Teach Adult Learners Malcolm Knowles Andragogy (An Dra Ga Gee) Theory of Adult Learning 6 Assumptions of Adult Learners R

Six Assumptions Self-Concept Choose what they learn, what they want to learn, and how they want to learn Experience Able to contribute their life experiences to learning material Reflective Learning R

6 Assumptions Continued Self-Readiness Need to learn to solve real-life problems Learn to cook, learn to use a computer, learn a new skill R

6 Assumptions Continued Problem-Centered Need to see immediate application of learning How can I apply this now R

6 Assumptions Continued Internal Motivation Self-esteem, improve quality of life, self- actualization Need to Know Why Why do I need to know this and how can it be used to solve my immediate needs T

Take Aways from 6 Assumptions Important to understand why the student is there Design lessons which links material to real- world application to more easily allow learners to connect their own life experiences Allow student to reflect upon their experiences when completing lessons T

Take Aways Continued Real-World Application helps to demonstrate how the student can use the material now. Let students know why it is important to know what you are teaching and how it can be used to solve problems. T

Where Student Engagement Begins

Providing a Road Map to Success “A Tail of Two Course Menus” Students should not have to feel like they are participating in an Easter Egg Hunt when they enter your online class. Create a simple Easy to Follow Road Map to Guide Students to where they need to go in order to find information. R

Be Intrusive and Accessible Establish Contact Methods and Hours Make First Contact Before Course Begins Send Updates and Reminders T

Be Intrusive and Accessible Google Voice Phone Number Set up phone number just for students to reach you – you don’t need to give out your personal number https://voice.google.com/u/0/about T

Be Intrusive and Accessible Ask Your Instructor Forum R

Take Responsibility For Communication If more than one student has questions about your instructions or class …. Your instructions are at fault, not the student Use different modalities to explain assignments Text, Check Off List, Video, Audio T

Take Responsibility For Communication Seeing from an Alternative Perspective R

Record Video or Audio For: Class introduction Chapter introduction Assignment instructions Updates / Announcements T

How Do I Record Video? Use Screen Cast-o-Matic https://screencast-o-matic.com/ Free for 15 min or less Chunk video Two 5 min videos better than one LONG 10 min Note that most video players can speed up playback R

How Do I Record Audio? Use Audacity https://sourceforge.net/projects/audacity/ Download and import the lame codec Chunk audio R

Introductory Activity Class introduction video from all students Post your own video as an example Be prescriptive on what should be talked about – Name, Major, Likes, Dislikes, Loves Class Scavenger hunt Group meeting via Skype or Hangouts T

Use Rubrics on Assignments Builds trust Consistent assessment Expectations are not left to interpretation Let students give their own feedback Start Small Answer must have (worth 5 points each) 2 paragraphs, paragraph > 2 sentences each, … T

The Power of Easter eggs Hidden Discussion Boards Hidden Extra Credit Opportunities Incentivizes students to pay attention to instructions and announcements Not all Easter eggs require student interaction… R

Video Conferencing Software Class assignments Group discussions Synchronous meetings Collaborate – Part of Blackboard Google Hangouts – Free easy to use Skype – Free Zoom (https://www.zoom.us) R

Any Audience Ideas You Would like to Share?

Thank You! Timothy.Park@tccd.edu Randy.Jackson@tccd.edu