Online Student Success: The Key To Keeping Students Motivated & Engaged Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D & LaRuth Ensley, Ed.S lashi2000@aol.com l_ensley@hotmail.com

Motivational Quote “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” - Lou Holtz

Learning Outcomes Identify problems that keep online students from succeeding Develop best practices for motivating students in the online environment Gain an understanding of how motivation affects student retention Apply key principles of human motivation to promote student motivation in the online environment

Poll Question What are some of the biggest challenges you encounter in getting students motivated and engaged in your online course? Poor time management skills Not interested in the course material Technical issues Other

Common Problems Encountered by Online Learners Poor time management skills Lack of appropriate skills/reading and writing Course objectives unclear/vague Course required for graduation Trying to juggle too many things

Best Practices for Keeping Students Motivated Instructor presence Instructor feedback Faculty engagement Asking thought-provoking & relevant questions Using TED Talks or YouTube Provide online support services http://www.onlinecollege.org/2012/08/29/10-ted-talks-online-instructors/

Instructor Presence Post to the discussion board actively (at least 4 times per week) Post videos to stimulate learning (TED Talks, YouTube, etc.) Provide timely and detailed feedback Respond to question threads, and emails immediately

Instructor Feedback Must be timely Must be detailed and specific Use rubrics when possible Provide the rubrics in advance and when the assignment is graded http://rubistar.4teachers.org/

Supporting Sources 10 points Sample Rubric Project Criteria Exceeds Meets Needs Improvement Subtotals 40% 18-20 points 15-17 points 0-14 points   Content 20 points Response covers all topics indicated in the assignment and adds additional content. The writing level was superior with no errors in spelling or grammar. Response covers all topics indicated in the assignment. The writing level was acceptable with two or less errors in spelling or grammar. Response covers none to some of the topics indicated in the assignment. The writing level was less than acceptable with errors in spelling or grammar. Interaction 20 points Multiple learner interactions that add to the discussions. Responses show evidence of critical analysis with questions to other classmates. At least two learner interactions that add to the discussions. Responses show evidence of critical analysis. Zero to one learner interaction in the discussion board. Response lacks evidence of critical analysis. 20% 9-10 points 7-8 points 0-6 points Supporting Sources 10 points Several sources are cited are appropriate, peer reviewed, and primary sources in addition to the textbook. Two sources are cited are appropriate, peer reviewed, and primary sources in addition to the textbook. Zero to one source cited or sources are not appropriate, peer reviewed, and primary sources. Grading Key Range TOTALS 45 - 50 Earned Point Total 37 - 44 0 - 36 Total Possible Points 50

Podcasts/Screencasts Create + Distribute = Mobile Access

Instructor Feedback Have you ever used a screencast or podcast as a way to provide feedback? Provide individual feedback on a paper or test Record a screencast of common errors made on a quiz/exam for the entire class Other? Please send your ideas via chat. http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/

Screencasts - Samples Showing students how we use Desire2Learn in our online class: http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cIVbY0VQt1 Mini lecture – 7 minute screencast on using pronouns with formal commands for a Spanish II class: http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/clf2F8plt Providing individual feedback to a student regarding a homework assignment: http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cIni3XVlO4 Screencasts already available on YouTube with video: http://www.youtube.com/user/EducatorVids2?v=wjFgeiFNYlE

Instructor Engagement Instructor engagement is critical in the online environment for various reasons: Student retention Increased student support Improve student learning outcomes

Ask Thought-Provoking Questions Questioning students in ways that allow students to think at higher levels Ensure opportunities for students’ success by assigning tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult Help students find personal meaning and value in the material Help students feel they are valued members of a learning community

Lack of Motivation Affects Students Poor academic performance Student retention issues Increased dropout rates Accreditation concerns

Poll Question What is the most frequent way you provide feedback? Grades only Conference calls Answering emails Threaded discussions Other

Faculty Motivation For faculty to motivate students in their learning, you must create an environment where students are engaged (Miller, 2000). Increase students’ critical thinking skills

What the Best Online Teachers Should Do Based on Ken Bain’s What the Best College Teachers Do http://jolt.merlot.org/vol7no4/brinthaupt_1211.htm

Video - Sample Preparing students for an upcoming exam – with humor! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTXKa2UTt2Y&feature=share&list=UUU290vXitPcCMQH9AH5mBAw 8 Secrets to Success – Motivation http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_st_john_s_8_secrets_of_success.html

Online Support Services 24/7 Advising/Counseling Tutoring Study Groups Supplemental Instruction Customer Service Technical Support If students know we are there to help them 24/7, they may feel more invested and committed.

Reference Miller, J. T. (2000). Administrators, faculty and the final outcome in distance learning. The University of Houston Journal of Distance Learning. (2)1, 13-19.

Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D & LaRuth Ensley, Ed.S   Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D & LaRuth Ensley, Ed.S lashi2000@aol.com l_ensley@hotmail.com