In this module, we discussed how the<Replace - Institution Name>student population exhibits a wide range of diverse characteristics. You also examined the ways that learners exhibit unique characteristics both as a group and as individuals. Designing the course with consideration for presence, choice, and representation helps all students have an access point. Some additional key points to remember include:
The learner should be the focus of your online course.
Learning is enhanced when the learner is actively engaged in the learning process.
Having a supportive and inclusive learning community plays a pivotal role in an online learner's success.
Effective learning communities encourage social, cognitive, and interpersonal interactions.
Learners engage more when they know you care, so don't be afraid to share who you are and to create safe spaces that allow your students to do the same.
Bonwell, C. C., & Eison, J. A. (1991). Active learning: Creating excitement in the classroom. Association for the Study of Higher Education (ED336049). ERIC.https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED336049
Brookfield, S.D. (2015). The skillful teacher: On technique, trust, and responsiveness in the classroom(3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Cleveland-Innes, M. & Campbell, P. (2012). Emotional presence, learning, and the online learning environment.The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 13(4), 269-292.
Darby, F., & Lang, J. M. (2019). Small teaching online: Applying learning science in online classes. John Wiley & Sons.
deNoyelles, A., & Kovacevich, B. (2018). Incorporate online debates to stimulate critical thinking and engagement. In B. Chen, A. deNoyelles, & A. Albrecht (Eds.), Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository. University of Central Florida Center for Distributed Learning. https://topr.online.ucf.edu/r_24imgadz3f0gtyb/
deNoyelles, A., Zydney, J., & Chen, B. (2014). Strategies for creating a community of inquiry through online asynchronous discussions. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 10(1), 153-165.
Felder, R., & Brent, R. (2009). Active learning: An introduction. ASQ Higher Education Brief, 2(4), 1-5.
Garrison, D. R. (2009). Communities of inquiry in online learning: Social, teaching and cognitive presence. In C. Howard et al. (Eds.), Encyclopedia of distance and online learning (2nd ed., pp. 352-355). IGI Global.
Garrison, D. R, Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2000). Critical Inquiry in a text-based environment: Computer conferencing in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 2, 87-105. doi:10.1016/S1096-7516(00)00016-6
Garrison, D. R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2001). Critical thinking, cognitive presence, and computer conferencing in distance education.American Journal of Distance Education. 15(1), 7-23, (EJ643385). ERIC. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ643385Links to an external site.
Garrison, D. R., & Anderson, T. (2003). E-Learning in the 21st century: A framework for research and practice. London: Routledge/Falmer. doi:10.4324/9780203166093
Harrison, L. (2006). What is applied learning? : exploring understandings of applied learning amongst beginning teachers. Refereed paper in AARE 2006 : Conference papers, abstracts and symposia, 1-14. Coldstream, Victoria: AARE.
Henry, J., & Meadows, J. (2008). An absolutely riveting online course: Nine principles for excellence in web-based teaching.Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 34(1). http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1073842.pdf
Immordino-Yang, M. H. (2016). Emotions, learning, and the brain: Exploring the educational implications of affective neuroscience. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company.
Jones, M. (2020). Active learning in the online environment. Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Saint Leo University.
Jowallah R. (2020).Enabling and empowering inclusion through partnerships with families, school, and the community. In Inclusive Theory and Practice in Special Education. IGI Publishing.
Phillips, W. & Jowallah R. (2015, September). Strategies and best practices for creating a zone for interaction and collaboration via the instructor’s online persona. Paper presented at Florida Distance Learning Association, Altamonte Springs, Florida.
Soo, K.S. & Bonk, C.J. (1998). Interaction: what does it mean in online distance education? Paper presented at the 98 World Conference on Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia & World Conference on Educational Telecommunications, Freiburg, Germany, 20-25. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED428724.pdf