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TECHNOLOGY AND ONLINE LEARNING
Technology and Online Learning
EDLC 510: Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners
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TECHNOLOGY AND ONLINE LEARNING
Technology and Online Learning
Finding the time to attend an in-person class can be difficult for some people, especially
if you’re a military family like me. Between finding time and moving so often, there’s also the
responsibility of being a mom and balancing all of that. So, when I heard that you could go to
college 100% online and have some flexibility, I was all for it. But when 2020 came and I
learned that I’d have to homeschool my kids and help them with their online education, that was
another story. Online learning is described as instructions that are delivered electronically
through various multimedia formats. It can be beneficial in situations like those described above,
military life and flexibility, pandemics, and in classroom settings. Technological skills required
for effective online teaching aren’t just knowledge but knowing how to apply it.
When it comes to online learning, three principles for an effective lesson are cognitive
design, emotional design, and behavioral design principle. Educators must think about the main
point they are trying to teach and decide on a common experience for the entire class (Orlich et
al., 2018). Content and pedagogy are critical when it comes to online learning, even if you have
the tools, it doesn’t mean you have the knowledge to teach it (Dunn, 2023). For the cognitive
principle, the design shouldn’t be complex and media tools should be efficient. It should promote
learner-content and learner-instructor interactions that promote deep learning (O.C.S.C. et al.,
2021). The emotional design principle should include impactful online learning experiences that
have elements to promote learner engagement and increase effort for deeper learning. It should
be aesthetically pleasing and arouse curiosity and challenge. I remember being in elementary
school, using the computer to play educational games, and being able to click on the little
characters to hear motivation was always fun. It kept me intrigued and excited to learn. The
behavioral design principle allows students to do a repeated task or motion until they get used to
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it. Once they become familiar with it, they’ll feel accomplished and can do different lessons
using the same methods. Content should also provide learning activities that are active and
generative tasks that are focused on application of higher-order and generate learning (O.C.S.C.
et al., 2021). For students to effectively learn in an online environment, they must be motivated
and have a platform that includes easy navigation, visually appealing graphics, and is easily
accessible. All those things and more can help students to be successful and want to learn.
A strategy for effective online instruction is the use of asynchronous and synchronous
tools. Asynchronous means that learners do not come together at a specific time and complete
tasks in a self-paced manner. Synchronous means the class will participate in real-time and
complete lessons and activities in sync with one another (Bloomberg, L.D. (2021). When using
asynchronous tools, this strategy can be effective for students who live in different areas and
time zones. They’re able to access all the same content such as discussion boards and videos, and
the instructor can be made available for communication through email. This can be efficient for
students who want to attend college and want a more flexible schedule. Students can see the
deadlines and have access to all materials ahead of time. They’re able to re-watch recorded
directions and instructions, yet they can still easily collaborate. Synchronous tools can be
practical as well because students can build upon one another and seek advice or help. They’re
able to have meetings and activities that are in sync with one another, and they can meet their
instructors in person with set office hours. This is more like a traditional college where students
meet daily and can work in group settings to reflect and engage. This works for students who
need a more hands-on approach. In this way, they’re able to receive feedback more directly and
promptly. Both tools remind me of Lev Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development (ZPD)
because when a student can decide what works for them, they learn more rapidly, but still can
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have the aid of an expert or peer (Orlich et al., 2018). Every student learns differently and at
varying paces, so having diversity in online instruction and learning can be beneficial.
The presence theory is a concept that emerged from social presence and teacher
immediacy research (Pawan et al., 2016). Teachers can employ their identity, experiences, and
backgrounds to nurture the relationships they have with students. In doing so, teachers can seem
influential to students and use that as a tactic for motivation to encourage learning. Another way
to connect with students is to always maintain feedback loops, assess them, and create next steps.
Understanding the pedagogical connection is important so that teachers can adapt their lesson
plans to student understanding. When teachers can differentiate instruction, it can be helpful for
students and a good way to start is with assessment (Orlich et al., 2018). After the student
assessment, instructors have a better understanding of students learning process and decide how
they can demonstrate learning outcomes. Instructors can be involved in thorough sequence
planning to ensure that their contents build on one idea after the next and that the interactions are
applicable for the content delivered (Sangtani, 2021). When differentiating instruction, it focuses
on students’ preferences and gives them power over their achievements.
In summary, when students are given the tools such as asynchronous and synchronous
methods, they’re able to decide which works best for them. It allows students to build their
schedules, live their lives, and still make time for education. Many times, students will say that
time is a factor when it comes to their education. They don’t have time to do this or that, but
when given asynchronous tools, they’re able to work at their own pace and be able to plan. With
synchronous tools, students can connect with their peers and collaborate. Even if they don’t meet
in person, they’re still allowed to meet virtually using systems such as Zoom or Google Meet.
Additionally, the support and presence of the instructor is equally relevant. Whether it’s through
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email, discussion boards, or in-person, knowing they can meet with their instructors for feedback
or questions is critical. Thankfully with asynchronous and synchronous tools, you’re able to do
so. A verse that reminds me of the instructor and student connection is Proverbs 3:5-6. The Bible
says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all
your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” This verse reminds
students to pursue the expertise and guidance of their instructors whenever they need, whether
it’d be online or in person.
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References
Bloomberg, L. D. (2021). Designing and delivering effective online instruction: How to engage
adult learners. Teachers College Press. August 26, 2023,
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/reader.action?docID=6630935
Dr. Randall Dunn. (2023). Planning for Technology Integration. Liberty University. Retrieved
August 26, 2023, from https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/510181/pages/watch-integrating-
technology?module_item_id=56167913.
O., C. S. C., Howles, L. L., & Mandernach, B. J. (2021). Designing the online learning
experience: Evidence-based principles and strategies. Stylus. 2023,
Orlich, D. C., Harder, R. J., Callahan, R. C., Brown, A. H., & Trevisan, M. S. (2018). Teaching
strategies: A guide to effective instruction. Cengage Learning.
Pawan, F., Wiechart, K. A., Warren, A. N., & Park, J. (2016). Pedagogy & practice for online
English language teacher education. Tesol Press. August 26, 2023,
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/reader.action?docID=6447726
Sangtani, V. (2021, May 12). Principles of effective online learning. eLearning Industry.
https://elearningindustry.com/principles-of-effective-online-learning
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