Jonathan Keller

From the first meeting or class start, setting the correct tone for effective communication is essential for student success, student retention, and student learning outcome.

There is no such thing as online learning without technology. But, technology is a double-edged sword - the current technology of smartphones and social media has grabbed the attention of the current student and now becomes a brain drained of motivation and individual thought. This makes for distractions in face 2 face but there is no control over these activities when online.

Online, even with teacher intervention and assistance requires students who are self-motivated, time management disciplined, and able to manage other life responsibilities simultaneously. I know, having taken many online courses. Life has so many distractions. Only through perseverance was I able to complete. Online learning can be daunting. This course re-enlightens me.

Retention is what all schools strive for, but some students due to their personal environment may not participate or are too quiet. Whether online or on Zoom, reaching out to all students is paramount for continued engagement in the course. I believe the face 2 face and the online instruction must be inclusive, inviting, and allows two-way communication to contribute to the retention and success for all students in the classes. Just another reason why online instruction needs more work and effort for the students to succeed.

I consistently promote critical thinking as what employers are looking for in a possible employee. It is skill learned and developed in the classroom either face 2 face or online.

Like face 2 face instruction, goals and expectations for active learning must be developed then clearly provided to students. Target dates and announcements must be clear and acknowledge by all students. Continuous feedback for students is what I have been doing in my face 2 face classes for many years. It is more important for online learners to see positive feedback to succeed in the course.

Academic institutions do not always recognize the strengths and weaknesses of active learning techniques compared with traditional sage on the stage face 2 face lectures. Administration simply said - you are teaching online as the state says the school is shutdown. There has been no assistance from administration towards online learning other than providing this MaxKnowledge training course. CTE courses include lab assignments and must be performed under guidance due to safety and health issues. Simply watching a video does not relieve the student from having actual hands on practice. CTE is preparing students to accept the jobs currently needing… >>>

Performing on stage as the sage is what I do best. But, online learning needs more interface with student learners. My take away is many small active activities to coexist with the lecture as my online student lectures need to take a pause, reflect, and interact. This method also works 

Online learning will take alot of effort to comply with legal requirements. Admistration will not be proactively assisting except to require instructors to become trained and develope their courses for successful online implementation. Going forward for face 2 face classes, there must be some understanding that online course development will need trial and error adjustments before legal ramificatiuons are induced.

It seems that LMS is still trying to provide course material as a basic building block for all students without regard to individuals that mightr need assistance with disabilities. I did not pick the LMS system for my school yet it seems it is my responsibility to ensure that system works for all students period. That is more time and effort without compensation to critically perform software and course content compatibility,. Should have been an IT developer.