Instructor Attitudes
What could online instructors do to reduce their negative attitudes about active learning in the online environment?
Becki,
Yes, I developed an online course just for instructors so that they could see and experience what being an online student is all about. It is very popular! Thanks for being in the class.
Renee Shaffer
I believe that online instructors could improve their negative attitudes by:
1. taking an online course - evaluate the course and see how important the instructor is in an active learning online environment
2. Use their skills in an organized, facilitator way to help the students achieve success in the course
3. Get actively involved with the course and the online students
I think it is something that OL instructors need to ease into. Trying one activity in a class and seeing how the students react can help to change the negative attitude. Also OL instructors have a responsibility to understand the concept of active learning, research how others in their discipline are using this methodology and then go through some training so they can effectively introduce, even the one assignment, to the students. In this way it can be a positive learning experience for all.
I have been a Department Chair in a not so distant past life and changing attitudes is always a challenge. Generally I would have a workshop/dinner in which a facilitator would engage them in an active learning activity so they could see what it is like. I would also have the facilitator offer examples of active learning specific to the disciplines they teach. Finally I would challenge the faculty to incorporate one active learning assignment into their next class and be prepared to report on the activity and its outcomes at the next workshop/dinner.
Merle,
Yes, the instructor must be participatory. Often instructors think that they can put their materials online and just sit back and watch what happens. Not a good plan.
Renee Shaffer
I actually believe that one way to reduce negative attitudes about active learning in the online environment is to moderate discussions and participate. Be present as an instructor...you have to model the behavior that you want to see. Engage as much as possible so that students can see your enthusiasm and hold students accountable....if students are accountable, they tend to increase their efforts. Make sure that any feedback offers ways in which the student can increase his or her level of performance...give the student something to work towards and allow the student to see your positive attitude....
Dori,
some people like to have total control of what and how students are learning and they can't do that easily with active learning.
Renee Shaffer
I'm not quite sure I understand why online instructors would have negative attitudes toward this? It's a fabulous opportunity for students and instructors to share and gain knowledge through collaboration, Our online environment is already very much like that at our institution. So, I'm not sure why someone would not want to encourage active learning.
One of the things I had to do prior to teaching online for my school was I had to actually go through the classroom as a student and answer DB, quizzes, indiv project etc. I found that very helpful to gain an understanding on the online environment and some negative ideas that may come up so I used it to help in my classrooms.
Eric,
I need to use more of that myself.
Renee Shaffer
Good point Shundra. Online is a standard option nowadays, not an absurd afterthought.
Negative attitudes are contagious and can quickly turn into a "moan and groan session". I typically ask students to remove any negative posts/communication with fellow students or I remove the post myself and email the student a follow-up. Employing appreciative inquiry (AI) "what is right with the world" techniques also work very well.
This all begins with intake. A free sample (short) content course can be offered for prospective students to determine if the environment is right for them. Prospective faculty could also benefit from this sample to see if they really want to do the intensive work required.
I agree with James Miller. Taking an online course or simply sitting through a course can be very helpful for gaining an understanding of the challenges and differences of the F2F environment. There is nothing more eye opening that sitting in the student chair! The first time instructor may ask themselves 'what would I do differently to make the experience more meaningful for me and my student colleagues.'
I think the best way to change attitudes is to let the student experience small success initially and then let that momentum carry over to larger more valuable assignments
Melissa,
Sometimes students have heard that online classes will be easier and then BAM, they are confronted with a class that is not easy.
Renee Shaffer
I think that this actually starts with the institution or school. I personally have had students in my class frustrated by the online learning because they were misinformed somehow. I think schools should offer a class for instructors and students. Certainly students prior to starting any curriculum.
Dr. James ,
What a great idea for instructors to take a few online courses themselves. I teach one especially for instructor and it is eye opening for most of them.
Renee Shaffer
For new instructors - take a few online courses themselves. For more long term on-line instructors - contiue to stay up on the current technolgy methods and the social media methods being used by the online student. Try to become aware of the terminology being used by the "Digital Natives" as mentioned in Mod 1 of this course. Time consuming but necessary to keep up with the methods that can be used in active learning.
