Title: Use Technology to Motivate Distance Learning Students
1Use Technology toMotivate Distance Learning
Students
2Susan CoopermanMontgomery CollegeMaryland
3Describe Your Students
- Smart?
- Technology savvy?
- Lazy?
- Interested?
4Todays Students
- Technology oriented
- They grew up with
- Internet
- DVDs
- MP3s
- IPods
- High energy
- Tech savvy
5Students
- Grew up with a mouse
- Familiar with blogs
6Students need to be stimulated
7If Your Class is Boring
Students will be not be interested Students
will not be motivated
8Are You Ready to Motivate Your Students?
Does he look like one of your typical students?
9I asked my students what motivates them The
response I heard over and over again was The
Professor
10Student Comment Last Day of Class
- He told me that my enthusiasm and desire to help
was truly evident - He said my interest motivated him
- He said he was unhappy in another class
- The professor was abrupt
- The professor did not appear interested in
students
11What motivates?
- Make the student feel important
- Show interest in the student
- Let the student know you are ready to help
- Let the student know that you really care
12Put yourself in your students shoes!
13Smile
- Put a smile on your face
- Add a pleasant comment to email
- Respond to a telephone call with a smile in your
voice
14What does it cost you to be pleasant???
15What does it cost you to put a smile in your
email or voice mail message???
16What are the rewards???
17Be Available
18Motivational Ideas
- Email
- Telephone
- Text messaging
- Photos
- Cards
- Awards
19Feedback
20Let students know that they are not alone in
the distance learning course
21Let them know that you are eager and willing to
help!
22Use private email not discussion boards
23Telephone Welcome
- Welcome to class
- Call each student
- Leave message if not home
- Be enthusiastic
- Make the course sound exciting
24Email Welcome
- First day of class
- Send a welcome email to all students
- Second week of class
- Send a how are you doing email
25Sociable Approach
- Open or close all emails with a friendly comment
- How are you today?
- Have a good weekend!
- Enjoy todays pretty weather!
Be Friendly
26Do Not Wait for Student Questions
- Send email
- Do you have a question?
- Do you understand?
27Responding
- Students want and expect immediate feedback
- Respond to emails frequently
- Even on weekends and at night
- Quickly grade assignments
- Grade within two days
28Send Good News Email or Text Messages
- Congratulations on your test grade
- Congratulations on your project grade
- Good luck on the test
- Have a great weekend
- Enjoy the holiday
29Send Email Reminders
- Test dates
- Project due dates
30Contest
- Student of the Week Contest
- Winner announced on class Web site
31Communications
- Online chats
- Act like you care
- Be friendly
- Ask about what student did over the weekend
- Ask what other classes they are taking
- Ask what is students major
32Birthday
- Send free electronic birthday cards
- Ask student for birthday information
- For privacy reasons, ask for only birth month
33TGIF Award
- Candy gram
- Includes picture of candy
34Star of the Day or Week Award
- Notify the student by
- Email
- Greeting card
- Telephone
- Text message
- Put on Web Site
35Award
- ContestAnswer a question
- Encourages students to read emails
- Encourages active learning
- Student who responds first with correct answer
receives five extra points
36Contest
- Design a class logo
- Share the winning logo with the class
- Put on web site
37Send Cards
- Have a happy day
- Have a fun weekend
- Happy holiday
- Halloween
- Thanksgiving
- Valentines Day
Best Wishes
38Cards
- Create in
- Microsoft Publisher
- Greeting card creation packages
- Word
- Email it
- Create a variety of cards and have them ready to
use
39Contest
- Hint contest
- Weekly
- Put the winning hint on the Web site
- Improves student learning
40Individualize the Class
- Progress at your own pace
- Allows student to move quickly
- Finish class early
41Partners
- Online Help Buddy
- Online partner projects
- Online team projects
42Online Photo Album
- Have students send you pictures
- Have students write comments about the class
- Have students sign release prior to posting
picture or comment
Permission Signature Date
43Link to Community Projects
- Museums
- Business leaders
- Companies
44Smithsonian Fellowship
- One-year experience
- Learn about how and why exhibits are created
- Meet with curators
- Explore the museums
45Smithsonian and Students
- Encourage students to explore their community
- Exposure to exhibits
- Exposure to new ideas
- Exposure to new cultures
46What is the Benefit to Your Students?
47Better Grades?
I got an A
48 Podcasts
- Attract the attention of students
- Create a connection between the instructor and
the student
49Student Podcasts
- Current students make Podcasts for future
students - Introduction to class
- How they solved difficult assignments or problems
50Podcast
51End of Semester
- Send a goodbye email
- Enjoyed having you in class
- Keep in touch with me
52What Happens at the End of the Semester???
- Encourage students to keep in touch with you by
email - Encourage students to send emails about their
accomplishments - Post comments on web site
53What Motivates Your Students?
- Share your ideas
- What works for you
54How can you motivate your students?
Ideas???
55Susan.Cooperman_at_montgomerycollege.edu
56Use Technology
Keep Students
Interested