Students Attention Spand
In the classroom as we know, it is somewhat of a challenge after 1/2 hr of class to hold the attention of the students. An online course is an asset to the course curiculum, as the students can log on and off when they see feesable. Therefore, in essence, the student will get close to the maximum attention spand needed to understand and complete the arranged assignments. I feel this is a great asset for the students learning and understanding capabilities.
Hi Tina, you make a good point. On eof the problems we have found is that more dependent learners have difficulty understand and completing assignments on their own, so we are considering holding live meetings to review course activities early in the unit. Tina
I have also struggled with this same topic during live lectures. I have had experiences where students were chatting between each other regarding non relevant topics. I have had to ask them to focus on the topics being discussed. I think it is important to set these expectations at the beginning of the class.
Julie
It is always a challenge to keep students focused in the classroom. Online will give them the option of logging on and off at their convenience. I think an added benefit would be less class time spent on redirecting students attention to lessons. Each student can spend the time necessary to look at an assignment based on individual needs.
I agree with your assessment of this as well. What's important though I find is to find a way to maximize the learning in the time that the students are in the course. Sometimes, this is easier said than done. I find that having interesting discussions and relevant topics increases participation and learning.
Vincent,
As you indicated, maximization of student learning in the constrained time of the online classroom is one of the 'built-in' challenges of todays's distance education. Your efforts in making the discussions interesting and relevant is a proven strategy to enhance student participation and learning. Additionally, this strategy has been found to encourage the student to student dialogue, which is also found to enhance student success in online courses. Well done.
I find that getting the interest of students on a topic that you can make fun can keep them focus by playing games with the lecture asking questions or telling them that there will be a quiz after will keep them focus on whats ahead.
Latasha,
The gaming aspect of learning online is gaining momentum in the research of instructional technology. Do you have recommendations for some of your best instructional games? Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
