The convenience of learning online has made it possible for many adult learners to return to school and complete their education which otherwise would have been impossible due to their busy lifestyles. However, although online learning is convenient and easily accessible, many adult learners are now left with significant challenges to develop the necessary skills needed to learn successfully online. It is therefore very important for us as online instructors to help the students that are assigned to our care.
To help students become good online citizens, I do the following:
1. The first thing I do in any class is to reassure the students that they have the ability to do what they want if they are determined to do so. I stress that failure will not overcome them if their determination to succeed is strong. I also assure them that I will be with them throughout the module or term to help them. When they feel confident in themselves and that they have support, they will be ready to move on.
2. Help them understand the importance of time-management. As we well know, students become overwhelm quite easy. I help them draft a timetable of how they could get their work completed and still do the other things they need to get done.
3. I encourage them to do their own work and not plagiarize, especially since there will be consequences for plagiarizing. I promise early feedback with enough time to correct and resubmit if they submit their work early and give them a deadline to do so.
4. Take full advantage of the discussions so that they could see things from others’ perspectives and also share their views. I let them know how valuable their input is to the class. This helps them to feel valued and part of the community and make connections with the group.
5. Apply what they are learning to their own lives. This helps them to feel connected to the course material and retain more of the information. Learning takes place.
6. I encourage them to ask questions and I do my best to answer each in a timely manner. Students feel part of the community when they are not ignored.
There is no magic formula in helping students become good online citizens. However, a combination of several simple techniques could make a huge difference in helping students become successful in the online learning environment.
Edna Murugan
In my first class, I teach students how to use correct APA format. I have posted the APA Student Guide version 6 in the my classroom. I also use Library tours to help students know how to use search and to use credible sources. I use Turnitin tool to ensure that students student their essays through the system. I have a written academic honesty announcement post in my classroom and it is also posted in the Students' Handbook. Being a role model to them. Thanks, Tom
In my online computer forensics courses I include various references on APA, actual guides on what it means to correctly cite material. I also provide approved templates to show how different types of documentation (word, powerpoint, discussions) can also be tackled when it comes to citing references and preventing plagiarism. We are here to remove barriers and ensure that students can succeed without fear of improper citation.
Kelly, I have learned over the last 13 years that students perceive things differently since they come from different backgrounds and have different levels of "intellectual capacity". In this regard I wnat them to "see" through me because when they do they will see "order, productiveness, fairness and vision".
I like to help my students in this area by providing extra discussion starters, and opportunities for them to interact within the classroom. I always think of the discussion forum as the "classroom itself" and as such, it is important that we all know the rules of conduct and what is appropriate.
Lauree,
Your all opinions are valued is so important in the development of community. This can be such a powerful tool in developing a community as well as encourage learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Edna,
Great, great post. It is apparent you have worked with adult learners and are aware of their needs and perceived barriers. You are committed to giving them tools for success not just for your class but others they will take to complete their education goals. Kudos to you.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Non-Technical Skills would be
1) Good reading skills
2) Listening skills
3) Basic skills of motivation and to encourage self initiation.
Dr. Shirley Chuo
Tom,
That is so important if that is important for your course. Students will understand importance by the emphasis you put on the content. Your example shows students that you put importance on APA in multiple ways, in multiple places. That is good online design.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Andrew,
Great post. I agree many problems with citing are lack of training. Templates and other online references really work. I use Purdue's Online Writing Lab.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Andrew,
Great post. You can be students' "glasses" if you will. I like your mantra.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Virginia,
I do too and you have to make sure students think of it also. That is the key. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Shirley,
Agreed. I think we forget that online learning is a reading medium. self initiation is such an important part of the course. Student centered means student responsible.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I help students come good online citizens by establishing a level playing field. I tell them a little information about myself and urge them to tell me about themselves. This way we develop a level of knowledge and respect for one another. I think that this is the first step in becoming a good online citizen. You have to respect others comments and thoughts and be open to other points of view. Establishing a level of respect can cover all these items and thus translate in students becoming good online students.
Kimberley,
You make a great point, a good online citizen is a good citizen. You have to set the expectations in the course and YOU model it. It is so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Not only do students needs to become good on line citizen, but on ground too! Communication skills are a 'lost art' with texting have raised is ugly head. I would like to know when i replaced "I", u replaced "you" and dont replaced "don't". I am very hard on the use of 'texting' and will not accept communication containing more than one lower case 'i'.
Carolyn,
I agree with you. It is up to us as instructors to hold students accountable regarding their communication skills. That is so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In my online course, I "practice what I preach". If I expect students to be good online citizens, then I better portray that as well. Setting the expectations for the class up front is also a good starting point. Teaching them about online "netiquette" and the "do's and don'ts" in an online environment will only make that student that much better.
Bob,
I agree with you. We as instructors must model good behavior and continually hold students to high expectations.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I teach courses in project management, which are taken when a student has nearly graduated. By this time, most of the students, if not all the students no good online etiquette. Actually, I have never had a instance where a student was rude. I think that the best way to help someone learn how to behave is to behave well. Courtesy of oils the wheels of civilization, and it is important for the students to hear this phrase or some other similar phrase from the instructor.
