Assisting the Online Student
Disagree.
First, they get the grades and the comments in the grade book. Then, midweek, they get the summary showing that they are below passing and they are told what they need to complete. At this point, all but those who are sick, or having some large personal problem happening in their lives, respond.
Second, once they respond, usually email, but sometimes texting, I answer their question of what they need to do; they usually need to just complete the work assigned which they have not completed. I tell them, clearly, that here are the assignments and the points involved, and the possible change in grade upward possible if they complete the assignments. Most then turn them in. I clearly point out to them that 45% of the grade is posting and replying to the Discussion Board, which are the easiest points of all, compared to quizzes and assignments. I point out that the assignments and quiz questions are all clearly covered in the live chats with similar questions and problems so it is to their advantage to watch the archived chats or come to the live chats.
Third, if they say they need help and don't understand anything, I suggest tutoring and ask them directly if they have tried to do the work. When they say "yes", I ask them which problem did they get stuck on, tell me the steps they took and which step caused the problem? If they stop responding, I repeat the question and copy their advisor, saying that perhaps the advisor can point them to how to use the tutor and work on the material.
Fourth, if they respond in detail, I carry on a dialog, via email, with them about getting past the troublesome step in the solution. At this point, these students usually get moving and either get tutoring and/or help from various sources. I also tell all about some websites that might help, tell them to Google key words of the problem to find how others on the web solved similar problems, etc.
There are two classes of students; those that need motivation and a push and some help, and those that for whatever reason, don't respond. The approach I take to get at and help the first class is;
1. Explain the points/grades and their paying for tuition or costs. This motivates all but a few.
2. Move students towards tutoring or outside help if they don't have specific questions.
3. Help those left who are responding and can be helped in this synchronous individual exchange of emails.
4. Unfortunately, there are always some who don't respond at all, and they either flunk, drop out or eventually request an Incomplete. All of these students have been reported several times to their advisor, and that person also tries to help with problems by giving support, motivation or advice.
The offers for assistance you indicate are excellent and somewhat comprehensive. There is obviously a great deal that can be done. Sadly, there are still those in the 'second class' you identified. Nice job - very good posting!
Hi Dr. Vaillancourt,
I disagree in a way. At my particular institution, we have a role that is known as "Campus OLS." This role intervenes and get in touch with the students whenever a student does not respond/communicate with the Instructor after various attempts.
There are also tutors on campus that can assist students face-to-face, if the student feel more comfortable in this setting.
Tanya,
These are excellent interventions you identify. I'm sure they assist many students (who would otherwise quit) to stay on track with their educational pursuits.
Do you sometimes have students that are unresponsive to these efforts? If so, does your institution provide additional Learner Services?
I think that if you offer to meet the student to help if you are local this can help, even though they may not go through with it, the offer that there is another avenue seems to work.
There is plenty we can do...
1) provide effective 'hand holding' feedback
2) place tips and tricks in the announcements
3) be the first one in the discussion forum to get the discussion started
4) be active in the classroom
5) set an example and be a role model
6) lastly continue to remind them of your open door policy and the fact that you are there to set them up for success!
My Best,
Kelli
Terry,
Many students really do like the f2f help when it is available, which is not often. I'm sure you already observe this, but I would like to caution all that these types of meetings require substantial safety measures, if they are used. I like your dedication.
Kelli,
All of these are solid strategies that are used by many good online teachers. These are a great foundation for any online teacher's 'bag of tricks' to assist students. Model the behavior you expect and be available are two of the strongest. Nice job!
I would disagree with that although it would depend on what type of support structure is available at the school. For example, reaching out to the advisor or even the dean may help to get the student to respond. In addition, students may feel more comfortable working with their peers where you can also build a study group that can help each other. There are many things that we can do, we simply have to see why the student isn't responding to our offers for help and find alternative methods to reach out to them.
Good points, Vincent.
The peer learning community is probably an 'underused' resource in many online classes. I agree that the inherent support structure at the school often accommodates some approaches better than others. Persistence in seeking additional avenues of outreach will often uncover positive results.
It is definitely a stumbling block if you have a student that doesn't respond to your offer of help. There are other ways you can try to contact them or get them to connect with you. It might be necessary that you call them and try to discuss any issues they may be having by phone, sometimes when contact is made in a manner that is different then online it creates openings in communication that might work more effectively.
Hello Amy,
I agree. In addition to the verbal conversations, by phone, have you used texting? Some online instructors have indicated significant success with it.
I would keep trying by asking if he/she found the information helpful, usually that gets the dialogue going. Then, I can build on what has been offered as help, and gauge what direction to go next.
Hello Nicole,
Nice approach. Asking the student to lead their own learning direction is a powerful engagement technique.
I absolutely agree. Online students are expected to take an active role in their education at the guidance of their instructors. I relay to my students that I understand how difficult online education can be, however, I can't pass the class for them. However, if they show me they are motivated and willing to learn, I will do whatever I can to help them make it through the course.
Hi Jeremy,
You are absolutely correct that the adult learners on the other end must accept responsibility for their education - you can't learn it for them. Do you have some methods of conveying this that have been especially successful? This is one consistent need of all online instructors. Thank you for your contribution.
Well, I believe that we should never give up.
We have to realize that somehow we will be able to get through to this student in a different avenue. Persistence is normally the key to almost any issue in life.
Phillip,
I staunchly agree that persistence is a fundamental component to success in many of life's undertakings. Please expound on your successes and share the different avenues to which you refer. I am sorry to say that I have found student situations where I had to "give up" because repeated phone calls, texting, emails, twitter and facebook outreaches didn't get the student to respond. What has been your approach in thse situations. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Phillip,
I staunchly agree that persistence is a fundamental component to success in many of life's undertakings. Please expound on your successes and share the different avenues to which you refer. I am sorry to say that I have found student situations where I had to "give up" because repeated phone calls, texting, emails, twitter and facebook outreaches didn't get the student to respond. What has been your approach in thse situations. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I don't completely agree with this statement. I say this primarily because what if you as the online instructor simply called the online student's academic advisor? Then, this advisor would more than likely step in either via email or telephone to help get to the bottom of the student's problem(s). It still should be a team effort.
