How can you support student success in online learning environments?

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela 3 questions to ask on this: How can online educators create a sense of community and connection among students in a virtual learning environment? In what ways can personalized feedback and adaptive learning technologies enhance student engagement and understanding in online courses? How does fostering a growth mindset and resilience contribute to student success in the ever-evolving landscape of online learning?

In my experience it is important to define clear windows on how and what to communicate. For example, during online lectures we stay away from the chat, and ask orally. During exercises or outside contact hours we communicate via chat in defined channels with defined topics. Students already encounter a huge overload of information from everywhere, and clear and defined communication helps students to stay engaged.

So true, communication is prone tool to engage students actively in learning process. Using of variety means of communication helps students move forward with enthusiasm. It’s good way to be approachable

One of the greatest support to the student success in an online learning environment is the course design. An online learning environment is completely different from an in person learning environment so courses should be designed in way that student could be engaged as much as possible. The course content should be interactive such as videos, discussion boards, quizzes and badges for the outstanding students.

Make them laugh or cry-not in a cruel way-. They need to feel something in order to pay attention at first glance and remember it afterwards.

Offering structure and guidance is just as crucial in online learning environments as it is in traditional classrooms, and it's similarly vital in the context of French education. By providing clear course design, detailed syllabi, and breaking down complex tasks, students can effectively manage their time and monitor their progress. Regular reminders and check-ins further support organization and accountability. This structured approach empowers students to stay focused and succeed in their online learning experience.

Whereas large group settings are more limited in their flexibility, one-to-one sessions may open op the possibility of giving a student a wider menu of activities that will lead to meeting the desired outcome. Using a dice and a list of six activities connected to each number is one simple way of getting a child's buy-in, as is using a game as a reward for meeting short-term goals such as staying on task for a specified amount of time, participating actively for the duration of the set period or otherwise.

I’ve found even in learning environments, just as in work environments, managing expectations is required. When folks get lost during learning, frustration tends to seep in. It’s not about providing answers and an exact blueprint, but tell them the journey you’re about to take them on.

Relying on discussion board posts for asynchronous learning is an easy answer for facilitators but is ultimately detrimental to intellectual growth. We should instead creatively leverage the growing body of tools that enable learning through shared experiences. Learners gain knowledge and understanding more deeply through collaborative projects and problem-based learning, even if the platform is asynchronous and virtual. With this in mind, we can design our platforms to encourage collaboration and reward teamwork while also seeking honest feedback from learners to adjust our methods and delivery.

The use of appropriate tools/technology is a critical factor in online learning success. Students will need to find your use of these tools engaging - which means you should practice and be comfortable with them in advance. It’s important that the tools you use aren’t just substituting for in-person tools. Look for an opportunity to do more. Especially around engagement and inclusion.

Engagement is a crucial aspect of online learning, much like in traditional classrooms and the realm of French education. Employing diverse and interactive methods to deliver content, assess students, and facilitate learning is key. Utilizing various media formats, interactive activities, and collaborative tools, such as quizzes, simulations, and polls, keeps students interested and involved. This approach ensures that students remain stimulated and engaged throughout their online learning experience, ultimately contributing to their success.

Visual impact is important. Using block colors, bold words, or symbols to identify different environments can help with association. When colors or symbols are matched to certain fields one’s mind can create its own algorithm to memorize and recognize.

Traditional learning methods allow the teacher to decide how they will convey information to their students, but online learning provides more flexibility and gives children control over their education.

The one area I ensure to provide is delivering to a variety of learning styles. Some want text/stats, some want video clips, some want audio material and some are highly visual learners. Online learning must meet all of these needs by providing variety and dynamic material throughout.

An example of adapting to diverse needs and preferences to ensure student success in online learning environments for first-generation students involves a holistic approach. Foster collaboration with their peers versus competition among them. Encourage peer interaction through discussion boards, group projects, and virtual study groups to foster a sense of community. This method will help with contributing to a sense of belonging and inclusion. Also, conduct regular check-ins or surveys to gather feedback and adjust the online learning environment accordingly. Provide a dedicated section on your online platform with resources and support specific to first-generation students.

Inclusion is fundamental in online learning, just as it is in traditional classrooms and within the context of French education. It's imperative to adapt to the diverse needs and preferences of students to ensure equal access to learning opportunities. This involves recognizing various learning styles, backgrounds, abilities, and challenges, and providing multiple modes of instruction and assessment. Offering flexible options and accommodations further supports inclusivity. By respecting and valuing the diversity of students, educators create an environment where all learners feel supported, respected, and valued in their online learning journey.

Continuous improvement is key to success in online learning, mirroring the importance in traditional classrooms and the context of French education. Actively seeking and responding to feedback from students is vital for evaluating and enhancing teaching methods and learning experiences. This can be achieved through various means such as surveys, ratings, comments, and portfolios. Carefully analyzing and reflecting on this feedback empowers educators to make meaningful changes and improvements. This collaborative approach not only makes students feel valued and heard, but also fosters a more effective online learning environment.

Continuous feedback is essential in your development, both online and offline. Offering students with many different tools to give comments is a great idea, both direct and anonymous. Inviting another teacher for peer observation might also be a good idea, especially if you work with younger students who might not be able to offer constructive and actionable feedback just yet.

Feedback to me is like finding gold. High marks are certainly welcomed but knowing the small improvements I can make in delivering learning is where the real money is.

Fostering self-regulation is crucial for student success in online learning, much like in traditional classrooms and the context of French education. Educators should lead by example, demonstrating effective planning, monitoring, and evaluation of their own teaching and learning processes. Providing students with tools and strategies for self-regulation, such as goal-setting, time management, and self-evaluation, is essential. Recognizing and rewarding students for their self-regulation efforts further reinforces this skillset. By developing self-regulation skills, students become more independent, confident, and ultimately successful in their online learning endeavors.

Firstly focusing on our own executive functioning skills is the root of being able to mentor our students, and hold them accountable for their responsibility to manage their lives, choices and resources well. It then flows through to excellence in so many other things, and the fruit of this is appealing and satisfying both to the individual, as well as their family and greater community.

Make sure students realize there is a real person behind that computer screen. Build that human connection. It may be creating an ungraded discussion forum to allow students to connect with you and each other. Post a pic on your favorite hobby or pet and encourage students to do the same. This kind of social sharing helps develop stronger bonds. It makes you more approachable as an instructor, so students feel they can reach out with questions and concerns.

One of the things that is vital in in-person education is the interaction with peers. It might be difficult for students to get the feeling of camaraderie. Creating an unsupervised time in the online classroom allows students to discuss approaches and solutions among their peers in low pressure environment.

Promote technical proficiency by assisting students in acquiring the knowledge and abilities needed to use online resources, navigate platforms, and resolve technical problems.

I have found that break-out rooms are great for this - but it is important for the teacher/ mentor to visit these break-out groups or rooms(Zoom), to redirect, encourage and give personal feedback. Large groups can feel impersonal, and students may lose motivation easily.

Online learning needs to be relatable and deliver tools that can be put to use immediately. I like to say during my in-person courses, I want to provide tools and skills you can put to use tomorrow should you face a challenge or hurdle. Less theoretical and more practical.