Super admin . 18th Feb, 2024, 1:38 PM
A few years back, my youngest embarked on her high school
journey with a keen interest in a foreign language course, facilitated through
our school district's virtual learning program. Being involved in the online
field, I eagerly anticipated her positive experience, especially after her
less-than-ideal encounters with emergency remote learning during the pandemic.
Unfortunately, her virtual learning fell short of expectations, shedding light
on critical aspects that can enhance student engagement in virtual classrooms.
In this post, I'll delve into the challenges faced and propose best practices
to elevate the virtual learning experience.
Course Design:
My daughter's virtual classroom primarily relied on textbook
readings and recorded in-person lectures for online students. A more effective
approach involves adopting best practices, emphasizing well-structured,
intentionally designed classrooms that incorporate instructional design
principles. This includes creating robust learning experiences that integrate
community-building and interaction within the digital environment.
Teacher Presence:
Upon investigating my daughter's dissatisfaction, it became
evident that teacher presence was lacking. Virtual office hours, synchronous
meetings, and timely responses were absent. In a successful virtual learning
environment, a strong teacher presence is crucial. Regular communication, both
synchronous and asynchronous, and prompt feedback contribute significantly to
student engagement and success.
Interaction:
Simply relying on textbooks and recorded lectures is
insufficient. Students thrive when they can interact with peers and engage
directly with the content. A virtual classroom should facilitate meaningful
interactions, providing opportunities for collaborative learning and active
participation.
Continuous Improvement:
One significant drawback in my daughter's virtual class was
the absence of feedback mechanisms. While class grades reflected the subpar
learning environment, incorporating opportunities for anonymous feedback could
have informed the teacher and the district about areas needing improvement.
Continuous improvement should be a key focus to enhance the quality of courses
and better meet the needs of learners.
As we reflect on the challenges of virtual learning,
initiatives like the OLC Innovate 2024 K-12 Symposium become essential. By
sharing insights, expanding professional networks, and learning from
colleagues, educators can collectively enhance strategies that lead to greater
student success in virtual classrooms.
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