Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D

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Online Student Success The Key To Keeping
Students Motivated Engaged

• Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D
  LaRuth Ensley, Ed.S
• lashi2000_at_aol.com l_ensley_at_hotmail.
  com

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Motivational Quote

• Its not the load that breaks you down, its the
  way you carry it. - Lou Holtz

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Learning Outcomes

• Identify problems that keep online students from
  succeeding
• Develop best practices for motivating students in
  the online environment
• Gain an understanding of how motivation affects
  student retention
• Apply key principles of human motivation to
  promote student motivation in the online
  environment

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Poll Question

• What are some of the biggest challenges you
  encounter in getting students motivated and
  engaged in your online course?
• Poor time management skills
• Not interested in the course material
• Technical issues
• Other

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Common Problems Encountered by Online Learners

• Poor time management skills
• Lack of appropriate skills/reading and writing
• Course objectives unclear/vague
• Course required for graduation
• Trying to juggle too many things

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Best Practices for Keeping Students Motivated

• Instructor presence
• Instructor feedback
• Faculty engagement
• Asking thought-provoking relevant questions
• Using TED Talks or YouTube
• Provide online support services
• http//www.onlinecollege.org/2012/08/29/10-ted-tal
  ks-online-instructors/

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Instructor Presence

• Post to the discussion board actively (at least 4
  times per week)
• Post videos to stimulate learning (TED Talks,
  YouTube, etc.)
• Provide timely and detailed feedback
• Respond to question threads, and emails
  immediately

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Instructor Feedback

• Must be timely
• Must be detailed and specific
• Use rubrics when possible
• Provide the rubrics in advance and when the
  assignment is graded
• http//rubistar.4teachers.org/

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Sample Rubric
Project Criteria Exceeds Meets Needs Improvement Subtotals
40 18-20 points 15-17 points 0-14 points  
Content 20 points Response covers all topics indicated in the assignment and adds additional content. The writing level was superior with no errors in spelling or grammar. Response covers all topics indicated in the assignment. The writing level was acceptable with two or less errors in spelling or grammar. Response covers none to some of the topics indicated in the assignment. The writing level was less than acceptable with errors in spelling or grammar.  
40 18-20 points 15-17 points 0-14 points  
Interaction 20 points Multiple learner interactions that add to the discussions. Responses show evidence of critical analysis with questions to other classmates. At least two learner interactions that add to the discussions. Responses show evidence of critical analysis. Zero to one learner interaction in the discussion board. Response lacks evidence of critical analysis.  
20 9-10 points 7-8 points 0-6 points  
Supporting Sources 10 points Several sources are cited are appropriate, peer reviewed, and primary sources in addition to the textbook. Two sources are cited are appropriate, peer reviewed, and primary sources in addition to the textbook. Zero to one source cited or sources are not appropriate, peer reviewed, and primary sources.  
Grading Key Range   TOTALS TOTALS
Exceeds 45 - 50   Earned Point Total
Meets 37 - 44   Earned Point Total
Needs Improvement 0 - 36   Total Possible Points 50
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Podcasts/Screencasts

• Create Distribute
  Mobile Access

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Instructor Feedback

• Have you ever used a screencast or
• podcast as a way to provide feedback?
• Provide individual feedback on a paper or test
• Record a screencast of common errors made on a
  quiz/exam for the entire class
• Other? Please send your ideas via chat.
• http//www.screencast-o-matic.com/

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Screencasts - Samples
Showing students how we use Desire2Learn in our
online class http//www.screencast-o-matic.com/wa
tch/cIVbY0VQt1 Mini lecture 7 minute
screencast on using pronouns with formal commands
for a Spanish II class http//www.screencast-o-ma
tic.com/watch/clf2F8plt Providing individual
feedback to a student regarding a homework
assignment http//screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cI
ni3XVlO4 Screencasts already available on
YouTube with video http//www.youtube.com/user/Ed
ucatorVids2?vwjFgeiFNYlE
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Instructor Engagement

• Instructor engagement is critical in the online
  environment for various reasons
• Student retention
• Increased student support
• Improve student learning outcomes

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Ask Thought-Provoking Questions

• Questioning students in ways that allow students
  to think at higher levels
• Ensure opportunities for students success by
  assigning tasks that are neither too easy nor too
  difficult
• Help students find personal meaning and value in
  the material
• Help students feel they are valued members
• of a learning community

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Lack of Motivation Affects Students

• Poor academic performance
• Student retention issues
• Increased dropout rates
• Accreditation concerns

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Poll Question

• What is the most frequent way you provide
  feedback?
• Grades only
• Conference calls
• Answering emails
• Threaded discussions
• Other

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Faculty Motivation

• For faculty to motivate students in their
  learning, you must create an environment where
  students are engaged (Miller, 2000).
• Increase students critical thinking skills

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What the Best Online Teachers Should Do

• Based on Ken Bains What the Best College
  Teachers Do
• http//jolt.merlot.org/vol7no4/brinthaupt_1211.htm
  

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(No Transcript)
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Video - Sample

• Preparing students for an upcoming exam with
  humor!
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vPTXKa2UTt2Yfeature
  sharelistUUU290vXitPcCMQH9AH5mBAw
• 8 Secrets to Success Motivationhttp//www.ted.c
  om/talks/richard_st_john_s_8_secrets_of_success.ht
  ml

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Online Support Services

• 24/7
• Advising/Counseling
• Tutoring
• Study Groups
• Supplemental Instruction
• Customer Service
• Technical Support

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Reference
Miller, J. T. (2000). Administrators, faculty
and the final outcome in distance learning. The
University of Houston Journal of Distance
Learning. (2)1, 13-19.
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• Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D LaRuth Ensley,
  Ed.S
• lashi2000_at_aol.com l_ensley_at_hotmail.com