1. SUPPORT, PROGRESS, & MOTIVATION RAY POWERS EDU 601 DR. WILLIAM REEVES MAY 30, 2016 Ray Powers EDU 601 Dr. William Reeves April 18, 2016

2. Introduction This presentation provides a description and perspective on 1) the technical & organizational skills necessary for student success in online learning; 2) an evaluation of resources & tools that support student success; 3) techniques & strategies to keep students moving forward & on track. A representation of this information is contained in my Wiki classroom and can be accessed via the following link http://rtpowers.wikispaces.com/Support%2C+Enc ourage+Progression%2C+%26+Provide+Motivati on+to+Online+Learners http://rtpowers.wikispaces.com/Support%2C+Enc ourage+Progression%2C+%26+Provide+Motivati on+to+Online+Learners

3. Technical Skill Requirements The most essential skills required for effective learning by online students include the following: 1) Basic computer skills – this includes hardware operations familiarity & integration of software functionality 2) Digital communications skill is identified with Communication is either delayed, (asynchronous) where students post messages on discussion board for instance (similar to Facebook), or in real-time, (synchronous) during a video conferencing session, interactive classroom within the LMS, or a chat session. 3) Web search – Understanding how to conduct searches on the Web in a variety of ways. These resources can be used in discussion forums, references to support a hypothesis, and other information associated with the course topic (Morrison, 2014).

4. Organizational Skill Requirements  Persistence  As with all complex tasks, persistence is one major key to achieving the goal. Tracking your cumulative progress helps keep persistence at the top of your mind  Resource Allocation Skills  As a PMP certified project manager, I define resources as: People; Time; Money; & Assets. Balance of available resources is key to success in any venture. In the online environment, its especially important to allocate time appropriately. A formal schedule of time dedicated to online learning provides the necessary approach to effective time management and still allows for flexibility depending on the varying scope of activities  Effective Communication Skills  Communication skills are vital to all learning scenarios, but especially so in an online environment since body language and other non verbal cues are not available. Recommendations in this area include: Use the tools provided by the school to communicate with the instructor (e.g. online platform; email, chat room, text, cell phone or other means they classroom may authorize). Use appropriate style and language (e.g. write in full sentences, that are grammatically correct, be respectful, and use the prescribed format (APA, etc.).  General Organization  This includes a good study environment that is quiet and set up appropriately with good lighting, all needed equipment, and ergonomic considerations. Avoid distractions to the greatest extent possible such as games, surfing the Internet, leaving the environment frequently, or any other distractions.

5. Support Tools  Its important to ensure online students are aware of all resources and tools that can assist and support them in a distance leanrng environment. These tools may include: plagiarism checker; writing center access; online library for easy access to research materials and study; and a variety of classroom aids such as suggested reading materials, lectures, and examples; and of course easy access to the instructor for questions, understanding or personal assistance.

6. Techniques & Strategies Below are some techniques and strategies that will help engage students in an online classroom.  Create a positive environment  Effective communications (engage the student)  Vary media use  Use a socratic method of interaction  Set high expectations & give clear directions  Use practical application of academic theory in projects and assignments

7. Examples Examples that take advantage of the outlined concepts associated with support, encouraged progression, and continued motivation of online students include:  Ensure students have the technical skills to navigate through the course  Ensure the classroom has the appropriate resources and tools available  Implement best practices student motivation and engagement techniques

8. References  Bates, T., (2014). Online Learning and Distance Education Resources. Retrieved from http://www.tonybates.ca/2014/10/01/the-role-of-communities-of-practice-in-a- digital-age http://www.tonybates.ca/2014/10/01/the-role-of-communities-of-practice-in-a- digital-age  Careerwise Education, (2016). What Makes a Successful Online Learner? Retrieved from http://www.iseek.org/education/successonline.html  Morrison, D. (2014). How-to use social media platforms to create meaningful learning assignments. Retrieved from https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2014/09/07/how-to-use-social- media-platforms-to-create-meaningful-learning-assignments/ https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2014/09/07/how-to-use-social- media-platforms-to-create-meaningful-learning-assignments/  Strang, T., (2014). Strategies that Engage Students in Online Courses Retrieved from http://blog.cengage.com/strategies-engage-students-in-online-courses/