Online classroom: How students can build an engaging virtual experience

For as long as we can remember, learning has taken place in the classroom. Now, with the introduction of edtech platforms and online teaching tools, courses are increasingly shifted to online. As the virtual world opens up a door for creativity, this also poses a challenge. How can the same, or deeper learning connection be created between teachers and students without physical presence?

The online classroom may take some getting used to, but after a successful transition, you will find that courses can be exciting, engaging and a rewarding experience overall. Studies have revealed that students who learn online perform just as well as their peers in brick and mortar classrooms, as physical location is not the only determining factor of a holistic learning environment. Given the right tools and approach, learners will be able to participate in a robust educational experience in an evolving instruction paradigm.

“Years ago, we used to say the danger of online courses was they were just going to become electronic correspondence courses. That’s still a danger. As each new wave of instructors comes into this environment, there’s still that misunderstanding that this is a new environment” says Rita-Marie Conrad, co-author of The Online Teaching Survival Guide.

Of course, online teaching tools run the risk of becoming merely a tool for content distribution without regard for a pedagogical aspect of learning. That is why learners and educators alike must go in with the right mindset to gain true knowledge and acquire valuable skills.

Here are five tips and observations on how to get the most out of your online classroom experience:

It’s all about engagement

Based on some study evidence, being in a blended or purely online learning condition generally produces the same outcomes. With online learning, the focus benefit lies in giving students control of how and when they want to learn, enabling them to discover the most optimal way to absorb information. For instance, the way that students engage with information on their preferred mode of media can prompt a higher rate of learner reflection.

For a more effective outcome, there needs to be an interest in pursuing education as individuals through genuine participation of learner activity or reflection through self-monitoring of understanding. This sets students up to be independent learners capable of adapting to the changing workforce demands in the future.

Build peer relationships for better learning

Groups of students that learn together online are more likely to form better structures and support mechanisms such as guidance and influence through interaction. However, the amount they learn still depends on the educators. In some instances, studies have shown that peer-moderated groups performed better than those guided by an instructor.

Get better guidance using insightful data and feedback Learning Management Systems (LMS) can provide data for educators to alter instruction. Similarly, learners can access insightful analysis or records of their educational journey to make informed decisions on whether to take on new learning styles, approach educators for early guidance or to adjust hours spent on studying for better results.

Feedback features are also available on the LMS as a way for educators to communicate any necessary comments or suggestions on how the student can improve. These should be regularly followed up on and adhered to so that learners can reorient and do not lag behind.

Stimulation through different formats

In a traditional classroom, information and activities are carried out on a blackboard or using worksheets. In the online space, there is more room for creativity with multiple formats available, from infographics to engaging videos to text and audio to provide learners with alternative learning paths suited to their needs. This way, no student will be left behind. This increases the accessibility of each learner, as their learning styles are catered to.

Constant communication is the key

Continual improvement depends highly on the frequency of communication and understanding between instructor and student. Constantly keeping up with learning points and problem areas can touch base on where they are at in the learning curve and take possible actions for development.

Transitioning to the digital space may not be the easiest thing to do, considering that students have been familiar with face-to-face instruction for most of their journey. However, the result is a more robust landscape to gain and acquire knowledge in new ways. Going in with these tips will unquestionably come in handy when building an engaging online learning experience.

Article by Mr. Nick Hutton, Regional Director D2L.

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