Getting Students to Participate
Getting students to participate in online courses is not always easy; yet it is essential to making a good course. I try hard to recognize the various types of learning styles of online students in an online course setting. I very much appreciate the various student types noted in this module. If learners are properly engaged in an online program, success is very possible (Taylor et. al, 2013).
Reference
Taylor, R., Jung, J., Loewen, P., Spencer, C., Dossa, A., & Lemons, J. (2013). Online versus Live Delivery of Education to Pharmacists in a Large Multicentre Health Region: A Non-inferiority Assessment of Learning Outcomes. Can J Hosp Pharm. 66(4): 233–240.
I also believe that if the student is properly engaged they are more likely to participate, and be more successful.
Erika,
I also find a strong correlation between engaging and real world assignments and student motivation in the class.
Herbert Brown III
I completely agree. I try to post discussion topics that I believe are relevant to my students and that they would have much to say on the topic. Engaging my students is my first priority because if I am successful in doing so, they will then be motivated to complete the assignments.
I can usually find something in the student's bio or theme in their artwork that allows a common point of discussion.
Usually once you are talking about something the students enjoy or can relate to - the participation gets much better.
I also agree with your statement. I have also found that certain age groups tend to work closer with each other. My goal is to engage all and find their comfort and interest in it all
Lynn
Heidi,
I agree with your statements. You really hit the key point with engaging the students in their learning. By providing a variety of assignments and activities as well as flexibility within the assignments for students to engage the material in meaningful ways to "them" you can better motivate the students to actively participate in the course.
Herbert Brown III
