1. Engaging Distance Learners
Section 4

2. Overview Engaging Distance Learners
Section 4
Cooperative/collaborative learning activities
Strong Instructor Presence
Student/Faculty Interaction
Supportive Campus Environment
Overview Engaging Distance Learners

3. Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Activities
Theory Description
Examples of Application
Cooperative and Collaborative Learning is a learning situation that involves two or more individuals who are attempting to have a shared educational experience. (Pappas, 2014)
As a theory, it suggests that learners who are educated in a group setting and cooperate in order to achieve a set of common goals are more likely to be successful in doing so, while those who work autonomously are more likely to exhibit competitive behaviors. (Pappas, 2014)
Students learn from each other while interacting in a group to achieve a goal.
Learning Team Assignments
Three Step Interview activity
Team presentation
Team paper
Discussion Forums
Discussion question responses
Replies to other student posts

4. Strong Instructor Presence
Theory Description
Examples of Application
The concept of teaching presence evolved out of the research on social presence and teacher immediacy.
Short, Williams, and Christie (1976) initially described social presence as a quality of a communication medium that can affect the way people communicate.
(Lowenthal & Parscal, 2008). 
Instructor posts introductions and expectations at the beginning of the course.
Instructor is active in the discussion forums throughout the course.
Instructor provides feedback
Instructor shares personal stories

5. Student/Faculty Interaction
Theory Description
Examples of Application
Based on social learning theory
Involves Three types of interaction
Learner to content interaction
Learner to learner interaction
Learner to Faculty interaction
Research studies on interactivity show that students have a real need to make connections with other students and with their instructors.
(Academic Technology Center - Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2007)
Present a welcoming friendly atmosphere.
Provide more than one way for students to contact you.
Use synchronous technologies for question and answer sessions and ad hoc discussions.
Provide clear and thorough information to students.

6. References
Dixson, M. (2010, June). Creating effective student engagement in online courses: What do students find engaging?. Journal of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 10(2), Retrieved from 
Pappas, C. (2014). Instructional Design Models and Theories: Cooperative and Collaborative Theory. Retrieved from
Lowenthal, P., Parscal, T., (2008). Teaching Presence Online Facilitates Meaningful Learning. Retrieved from
 Academic Technology Center - Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (2007). Incorporating Interaction into Your Distance Learning Course. Retrieved from