Solving for virtual learning
Problem Statement: Student engagement during virtual lectures is impaired
Causal factors: Students primarily use cell phones for virtual meetings
The impact of using a phone is:
- The form factor (size) of the phone screen reduces visibility
- Data quality of the network is poor
- Data plans have financial overhead
- Students working environment has disturbances
The impact on the educational experience is:
- Students are not fully engaged during the virtual meeting which reduces the learning potential
- Interaction with the professor is limited
- Ability to see content is diminished making learning harder
- Ability to get clarifications is reduced which further dilutes the learning experience
Solutions being considered:
- Recorded lectures so students can listen offline
- Send lecture content prior to the meeting so students can pre-read
Hello, I am a professor teaching mostly Humanities classes, but there are many best practices that transcend disciplines for online teaching. First, research shows that students do not listen/view lectures that are more than 15 mins long. I would recommend that all recorded lectures should be between 10-15 mins. Breaking down different concepts to be taught in different videos is ideal. Second, organizing the course in shorter modules benefits students. Having periodic assessment rather than twice in the semester exams is better. Third, as educators we need to remember that students are probably taking multiple courses during the term/semester. Keeping a consistent pattern of expectation is also best. So e.g. students are asked to read/watch a video by a certain of the week (Monday night), then they have to post their response/solve/apply their learning by Thursday. Fourth, students need access to teachers facilitate learning. And so teachers should set up a time for virtual meetings/chat hours and if possible be available by video chat during the week.
ReplyDeleteI have a check list that I use for online courses.
ReplyDelete1) Course overview: Include information about how and wen students are expected to "attend" online class and submit information. Students should know how to communicate with the instructor (and how/when the instructor will communicate - e.g. I tell students that I only answer emails between 9-5 and all emails will be answered within 48 hours.)
2) Course organization: Course is broken into units, weeks, or other chunks. Each of this has clear due dates and expectations set out at the start of the course.
3) Course activities: Course activities encourages students to collaborate, either through discussion boards, group projects, small group meetings between students that are required.
4) Interaction: online teaching requires greater attention paid to student interaction. This is connected to point 3 above. Students receive regular feedback from the teacher. All expectations for interactions (between students and with the instructor) are clearly outlined. Students are encouraged to share resources.
5) Technology Requirements: students are told at the start of the course what are the requirements for the course.
Sachin - Thank you for taking the time to providing your thoughts and sharing the detailed structure around virtual learning. Your feedback confirms the opinion that virtual learning is different from simply looking at a camera and repeating what would have been done in a n in-person classroom.
DeleteIt requires more motivation from students and a significant change in approach by the faculty.
We will use your feedback in an ongoing discussion with the management team. Please continue to post your thoughts.
Errata: I meant Shahin (not Sachin).
ReplyDelete