1. Win with Widgets! Improve Teacher/Student Connection and Learning with Widgets
Philip Aust, Ph.D. HSS Online Course Coordinator School of Communication & Media Kennesaw State University
PhilipAust©2016

2. PhilipAust©2016

3. PhilipAust©2016

4. PhilipAust©2016

5. PhilipAust©2016

6. After hearing so many students voice initial and, at times, ongoing frustration with their online learning experience, I found myself asking, “What do I do?”
“What should I do to address this limitation in my courses?”
PhilipAust©2016

7. I have used two main pieces of information to address these questions.
First, Scribner (2007) and Glore (2010) have determined that the layout of a course web page significantly effects online student engagement and overall web-based learning.
PhilipAust©2016

8. Reyna (2013) notes that layout involves:
Color. White or a light background works best with dark text.
Typography. Use an easily-readable font throughout your online course.
Consistency. Strive for professionalism all through your webpage.
Appropriate information. Do not offer too much or too little information.
Visual content. Include moving images to keep things interesting. Example 1
PhilipAust©2016

9. Second, Miller (2006) notes that written communication has a greater impact than verbal communication on a receiver when used effectively.
Here’s why a well-placed instructor blog can be especially helpful in improving the student engagement and student learning.
Thankfully, a blog can easily be created (and used) with a widget. Example 2
Blog Dictionary.com.
bläɡ/
noun 1.
a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
verb
add new material to or regularly update a blog.
"it's about a week since I last blogged"
PhilipAust©2016

10. Philip Aust, Ph.D. School of Communication & Media
Do you have any questions?
Thank you for your time.
Win with Widgets! Improve the Teacher/Student Connection and Learning with Widgets
Philip Aust, Ph.D. School of Communication & Media
PhilipAust©2016