Online Learning: Engaging the Learner

Introductions Mary Beth Kyer –Founder, Euphoria Workforce Solutions – – Kymberleigh Richards –Director Studies, Learner Hill –

Agenda Elements of Online Learning Barriers to Learning Online and how to remove them How to Enhance and Engage the Learner A Demonstration of the Learner Hill Platform and online classroom

Who’s Studying English Online? Global Language Industry is approximately $40 billion, 50% of which is English as a Second Language Online Language Education is growing 22% per year Expected to reach $1.69 billion in E-Learning is being used to allow learning to take place at the learner’s convenience - any place, anytime. Sources: ‘’World Bank & IFC; Ambient Insight 2010

Elements of Online Learning Online learning includes: Live online classes Self-study Language labs Blended Learning

Trends in Online Learning self-paced materials social media blogs discussion boards videos live chat video conferencing

Classroom vs. Online ClassroomOnline Learning +-+- Easy access to Instructor Inflexible schedule which requires attendance Easy access to Instructor by Myths to online learning Immediate response to question Must reply on notes to review material Immediate response to questions using the in- class chat board Peer supportDifficult to study while working / taking care of a family Peer support through the use of a discussion board Convenient Flexible Can study while studying/take care of family

Barriers Myth # 1: no one-on-one time no personalized attention no individual attention difficult to ask questions

Removing the Barriers Truth: The Chat board can be used to ask questions during the class Instructors are taught to engage the learners Learners can get the instructions attention by raising their hand in an online classroom

Barriers Myth # 2 Classes are not interactive The instruction is more teacher driven as opposed to student centered

Removing the Barriers Truth: Instructor can call on the learn to answer a question as the names of all participants are displayed in the sidebar. Instructors can assign multiple microphones to participants in order to engage in a class discussion

Enhance and Engage Interactive courseware that allows “learning by doing”, arouses interest and generates motivation. “If you tell me, I will listen If you show me, I will see If you let me experience, I will learn.” Lao-Tse, 5th century BC

Enhance and Engage Call on all learners to participate Have learners role-play and practice dialogues Have learners answer comprehension questions based on videos or listening clips Use whiteboard tools to highlight concepts and correct sentence structure Tell Me Show Me Let Me

Enhance and Engage Use chat boards to check for correct spelling and explain words in context Give learners control of the whiteboard writing tools for error correction Use pointers to help learners follow content while in a virtual classroom Incorporate tests and activities throughout the materials Tell Me Show Me Let Me

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