PRESENTED BY

SAMANTHA L. MITCHELL

Virtual Issues and Challenges

OBJECTIVES/EXPECTATIONS Discuss/Identify

what research says about online learning the importance of knowing student

learning styles Eligibility requirements to learn online Technical requirements/access to

technology Self and Formal Assessment Motivation

ONLINE LEARNING Although the online learning

environment is growing, graduation rates are not (Dray, Lowenthal, et al. 2011)

Students need supports such the follow to have the best online learning experience: Online readiness tools Troubleshooting/FAQ Access to information in a timely manner

LEARNING STYLES The student’s learning style should be identified to match

the best individual instructional practices.

These learning styles can be identified through a learning style quiz: http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/836-

learning-styles-quiz

Types of Learning Styles and possible usage methods: Auditory & Visual – Podcast (with script), YouTube, Synchronous

and Asynchronous sessions, Kinesthetic – project base assignments, interactive activities

WHO SHOULD BE AN ONLINE LEARNER? Students and parents should be aware that

online learning may not be the best instructional option.

Sample modules, courses and quiz that provide online readiness: SORT Learn to Learn Course Cascadia Module Self assessment quiz (Are you ready?)http://www.onlinestudentsupport.org/monograph/readiness.php

.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS Student should have the minimum components:

CUP (Computer System) Adequate amount of Ram Operating Systems (Window XP, Visa, Windows 7, etc.) Cable modem, LAN, DSL Web browser Real Media Acrobrat Reader Java, Quicktime http

://www.mtu.edu/elearning/techonline/student-resources/technical-requirements/

STUDENT MOTIVATION

Key ingredient in student achievement in the online learning environment

Watch the clip of students discussing what they need to be motivated

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gObdT_-uR18

REFERENCEDray, B., Lowenthal, P., Miszkiewicz, M., Primo, M., & Marczynsk, K.

(2011). Developing on instrument to assess student readiness for online learning: a validation study. Distance Education, 32 (1),pp. 29-47.

Martinez, S., Torres, H. & Giesel, V. (2006). Onlinestudentsupportservices.Retrieved on July 15, 2012 from http://www.onlinestudentsupport.org/mongraph/readiness.php.