Discussion 3

EDUC 735

Gomez, et al. (2016) write, “Culture greatly influences social behavior, communication, cognitive processes, and pedagogical technologies. All of these elements are key components in the online learning discipline. Hence, the design of online programs requires cautious study of how people learn, what people learn and what people perceive as important to learn, depending on their culture. Understanding the set of cultural and learning/teaching features will help the educational community to provide better quality yet also culturally sensitive instruction.”

Because online/distance learning is increasing in use across the country for K-12 schools and in higher education, the considerations for educators and learners are complex. Based on your experiences as an online student and your professional teaching experiences, what do you believe are the most critical factors for success in online/distance learning? What do you think the future holds for online education?

Online learning has been gaining ground over the past twenty years. It has been more prevalent at the higher education level in years past. As a direct result of the COVID 19 pandemic, online education became the new normal for many K-12 students. Education, as we once knew it is no more. Online education provides students with the opportunity to take control of their own learning; students are able to create their own personal learning pathways for both K-12 and higher education.

In order for online to be successful, there are several factors that need to be in place. Social presence is the first component that needs to be in place for online to be successful. Good communication is essential in all areas of life; education is not an expectation. Online learning affords students to collaborate with other students they may never had the opportunity to work with as well as provides those who are more reserve to be open and honest of what they are experiencing. However, one major drawback to online learning is teachers having the occasion pick up on non-verbal cues of confusion. Therefore, it is imperative that appropriate language is used when connecting with teachers and other classmates.

Time management is another staple for effective online learning experiences. With online learning, students have the autonomy work when it is convenient for them. Hence, opening the door for procrastination. Perseverance and persistence are also a part in effective time management skills. Students must press through challenges that arise as a consequence of online learning. One must have the ability to create a schedule or plan to follow as it pertains to school work. Developing effective time management skill is not developed instantly; it takes time to develop good study habits.

Another key factor to successful online learning experience is motivation and the ability to work independent of constant reminders. As an online student, you must have intrinsic motivation and independence (Lee & Martin, 2017). If one has motivation and independence, they will have the drive to create study habits through by effectively managing their time. Student motivation is a critical component of online success (Lee & Martin, 2017).

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EDUC 735

Online learning also prompts students to think critically. Most online courses, especially higher education courses, require students to be reflective on many levels. By not being face-to-face, students have to be able to articulate their thoughts in a manner that can be understood by the individuals and situations in which it was directed. Composing ideas and thoughts are skills that must and should be developed over time.

Personally, online learning is more beneficial for me and others who work or have family obligations. I have found I am more focused as well as had the opportunity to develop written communication skills outside of the traditional work and school environment. When participating in discussion posts, I am able to share information I may have never been willing to share in a face-to-face class.

Reference

Lee, J., & Martin, L. (2017). Investigating students’ perceptions of motivating factors of online class discussions. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 18(5), 148-172. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v18i5.2883

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 06-05-2024 11:48:34 GMT -05:00

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EDUC 735

Gomez, et al. (2016) write, “Culture greatly influences social behavior, communication, cognitive processes, and pedagogical technologies. All of these elements are key components in the online learning discipline. Hence, the design of online programs requires cautious study of how people learn, what people learn and what people perceive as important to learn, depending on their culture. Understanding the set of cultural and learning/teaching features will help the educational community to provide better quality yet also culturally sensitive instruction.”

Because online/distance learning is increasing in use across the country for K-12 schools and in higher education, the considerations for educators and learners are complex. Based on your experiences as an online student and your professional teaching experiences, what do you believe are the most critical factors for success in online/distance learning? What do you think the future holds for online education?

Online learning has been gaining ground over the past twenty years. It has been more prevalent at the higher education level in years past. As a direct result of the COVID 19 pandemic, online education became the new normal for many K-12 students. Education, as we once knew it is no more. Online education provides students with the opportunity to take control of their own learning; students are able to create their own personal learning pathways for both K-12 and higher education.

In order for online to be successful, there are several factors that need to be in place. Social presence is the first component that needs to be in place for online to be successful. Good communication is essential in all areas of life; education is not an expectation. Online learning affords students to collaborate with other students they may never had the opportunity to work with as well as provides those who are more reserve to be open and honest of what they are experiencing. However, one major drawback to online learning is teachers having the occasion pick up on non-verbal cues of confusion. Therefore, it is imperative that appropriate language is used when connecting with teachers and other classmates.

Time management is another staple for effective online learning experiences. With online learning, students have the autonomy work when it is convenient for them. Hence, opening the door for procrastination. Perseverance and persistence are also a part in effective time management skills. Students must press through challenges that arise as a consequence of online learning. One must have the ability to create a schedule or plan to follow as it pertains to school work. Developing effective time management skill is not developed instantly; it takes time to develop good study habits.

Another key factor to successful online learning experience is motivation and the ability to work independent of constant reminders. As an online student, you must have intrinsic motivation and independence (Lee & Martin, 2017). If one has motivation and independence, they will have the drive to create study habits through by effectively managing their time. Student motivation is a critical component of online success (Lee & Martin, 2017).

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 06-05-2024 11:48:34 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/163911015/EDUC-735-Week-5-REVdocx/

EDUC 735

Online learning also prompts students to think critically. Most online courses, especially higher education courses, require students to be reflective on many levels. By not being face-to-face, students have to be able to articulate their thoughts in a manner that can be understood by the individuals and situations in which it was directed. Composing ideas and thoughts are skills that must and should be developed over time.

Personally, online learning is more beneficial for me and others who work or have family obligations. I have found I am more focused as well as had the opportunity to develop written communication skills outside of the traditional work and school environment. When participating in discussion posts, I am able to share information I may have never been willing to share in a face-to-face class.

Reference

Lee, J., & Martin, L. (2017). Investigating students’ perceptions of motivating factors of online class discussions. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 18(5), 148-172. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v18i5.2883

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 06-05-2024 11:48:34 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/163911015/EDUC-735-Week-5-REVdocx/ Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)