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Online learning is used to gain an education using technology such as a computer or
tablet. “In its simplest form, online learning might be described as any learning that takes place
using the Internet as a delivery system” (Dabbagh, Howland, & Marra, 2019). During this
current pandemic, the use of computer became even more widespread since access to school
campuses was restricted. Students from elementary to college made the switch to an all-online
learning platform. Students from all over the world have been exposed the virtual learning
environment. Children were already exposed to the use of technology in their everyday life
weather it was computer games, video games, and even online learning platforms. This genre of
learning environment is not only student-initiated instruction, but also programmed instruction
(Orlich, 2018). Strategically implementing technology into curriculum beforehand had a direct
effect on the success with the instant switch to online learning. There are many technological
skills needed not only to learn online, but to successfully teach online. These skills include
communication, time management, and the ability to assess and evaluate student performance.
These foundational skills are needed to create a premier learning environment that is fruitful and
appealing to the learner.
Communication is a strategy for making online learning effective. “This includes
everyone in the classroom, not just those with IEP’s or otherwise identified as requiring
supplementary aids and services” (Orlich, 2018). Communication that is active is essential in
education especially when it is collaborative. “Individual online learning courses where learners
have the possibility of using asynchronous communication tools such as discussion forums is
another form of communication that allows the students to be resources for each other”
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(Michinov, Brunot, Le Bohec, Juhel, & Delaval, 2011. This type of feedback keeps the class
collaborated and socializes does not allow the students to feel alone. Creating a type of
classroom family helps to create a community where students can feel comfortable to
communicate with their peers, and gain insight and knowledge from them as well. Open
communication and feedback can help with the success of the students. These technology tools
are a part of students' lives in a variety of communication ways, but that does not make it easy to
understand how to make that communication cross over into an educational learning
environment. Breaking down the barriers of communication online will be the first step in
creating a collaborative and successful classroom.
Time management has been researched and is the make or break it point in any
educational setting whether it be in person or virtually. It has been studied and been known to be
a problem in an online learning environment. “The main reasons given by students when asked
why learners fail or drop out of an online course were lack of time and procrastination”
(Michinov, Brunot, Le Bohec, Juhel, & Delaval, 2011). Everyone has different in their time
management, and an aspect of that is procrastination. To be successful in a virtual learning
environment managing your time in a way that allows you to complete your work is essential. By
waiting until the assignment is due to complete it can cause lackluster work, and result in
mediocre performance and grades. “For example, it has been found that a procrastination
tendency relates negatively to course grades, and that students with low procrastination
tendencies achieve higher grades in mathematics than students with moderate and high levels of
procrastination” (Michinov, Brunot, Le Bohec, Juhel, & Delaval, 2011 ). The discipline to stay
on task when not in person is a form of self-discipline that many might not process. A certain
amount of time needs to be devoted and set aside for classwork, homework, and studying to be
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successful, and give yourself enough time to learn the material. This elevates added stress not
only onto the student, but the teacher as well. This is a life skill that everyone needs to learn and
the younger you learn it the better off you will be in the future.
Assess and evaluate student performance is essential to teaching online. While students
may be engaging in discussions a teacher needs to be able to assess and evaluate the students
understanding of the knowledge being passed to them. The teacher is there to create a lesson that
meetings the students learning needs (Orlich, 2018). Knowing how to measure the success of the
lesson taught is key to evaluating the students. Using the tools available such as BrainPOP's,
Nearpod's, and other applications to test the level of understanding can highlight what else needs
to be taught or refocused. Having multiple means of instruction, assessments, and engaging
learning activities allow the students opportunities to show you what they know and what skills
they have learned (Orlich, 2018). The methods used in in-person school to identify learning
difficulties among other factors may need to change. A new platform may require new methods
to understand how to help students succeed.
Both student and teachers alike can take the scripture, Proverbs 6:6 to heart while being
on the journey of online learning. "Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their
ways and become wise. – (Proverbs 6:6 :New Living Translation). Reminding the students and
the teacher of how an ant is always working, and the benefits of that work as stated in the Bible
is one way to teach about communication and time management. The motivation and feeling of a
class environment, and class family should not change just because school has been transitioned
to a virtual platform. ISTE standards were created to help make the best use of technology in
education to help student’s learning growth.
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References
Dabbagh, N., Howland, J. L., & Marra, R. M. (2019). Meaningful online learning: Integrating
strategies, activities, and learning technologies for effective designs. New York, NY:
Routledge.
Michinov, N., Brunot, S., Le Bohec, O., Juhel, J., & Delaval, M. (2011). Procrastination,
participation, and performance in online learning environments. Computers & Education,
56(1), 243-252. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2010.07.025
Orlich, D. C., Harder, R. J., Brown, A., Trevisan, M. S., & Miller, D. (2018). Teaching
strategies: A guide to effective instruction. Australia: Cengage Learning.
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