Clearly there are a wide range of online environments. In this case, I am referring to online learning environments developed by educational institutions with the aim of engaging students in practice or simply expanding students time on task.
Luke: It is a tough problem. The motivation has to come from the student. However we can do a few things that can help him/her to succeed. A few points are
1. The course should be designed for success of the learners by providing them with all the resources required
2. Publish very clearly what are the requirements for the course and set clear guidelines for the expectations. In the process also make sure how these are relevant.
3. Keep interacting with them electronically and provide continuous encouragement
4. Have a continuous assessment of their work and provide prompt feedback. Give helpful suggestions and reward excellence during their submissions or tests.
5. Lastly having some success stories of past students that were benefited by this mode of offering in this course or other course would help.
Yes, this issue is an increasing one as institutions move further into the online space for attracting students. Together with the above points, I would like to add the factor of collaboration. When students realise they are actually connected to others in the same space there is a way of deepening their learning through the principles of collaboration. Creating manageable groups for discussion around a topic where each individual is required to demonstrate their learning. The creation of significant knowledge in a community of practice where students reap the benefits and realise the potential for strengthening their own learning - this, then becomes evident in the assessment component.
So, the issue is to facilitate communities of practice - understanding the principles of CoPs, demonstrating the principles of collaboration, and encouraging students to realise the benefits of sharing and critiquing.
Joan: We utilize blackboard for our online courses. Within that we build discussion forum for individual groups as well as students and the teacher. This will allow discussion within groups as well as between groups. In addition the email will always be available for individual contact.
We also use blackboard for our courses. The discussion board is where we receive post our responses to questions or prompts from our teacher. Participation in group discussion is encouraged and feedback is received from the teacher. Helpful points are also shared between students.
Hello, Everyone,
You may also be interested in another conversation about motivation for participating in asynchronous discussions.
With thanks for your contributions,
Barb
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_students_motivations_to_participate_substantively_in_asynchronous_discussions_within_wholly_online_academic_courses?_tpcectx=qa_overview
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