E-Learn World Conference- Montreal, QuebecOctober 2012

Dr. Rebecca HongBiola University, School of Education

Nearly 30% of higher education students take at least one online course.

Rescues isolated students by providing interactions with the professor

Rescues isolated students by providing interactions with their peers

Encourages interactions between professor and students in small groups

Utilized by on-campus or distant students Access to libraries and resources

Master of Arts in Education OR Master of Arts in Teaching Clear Credential Curriculum & Instruction Special Education TESOL Personalized

California SB2042 Clear Credential Special Education Certificate Early Childhood Education: Child

Development Permit

Meet the Professor Personal

introduction Video introduction

Meet your learning community Personal

introductions

Skype Vimeo F2F

meetings

Participants 15 - 594 Action Research 4 - 503 Research Methods

Methodology Online survey through Google Forms Administered at the end of Spring 2012

semester 34 questions▪ 30 Multiple Choice▪ 4 Open-ended

Over 50% of students had interaction once a week Interactions occurred primarily through Blackboard

and email

Which type of interaction with your professor increased your interest in the course material? 79% Blackboard Discussion

Which type of interaction with your professor best motivated you to learn in this course? 74% Blackboard Discussion

Which type of interaction with your professor best facilitated your learning in this course? 84% Blackboard Discussion

Students felt email was most effective medium when interacting with professor.

When clarifying course content, students preferred interaction through email.

Active engagement and participation on Blackboard Discussion Board matters....a lot!

84% of students felt supported this semester because of the online community created in their course.

So who is responsible for creating an online community atmosphere?

Quick email response Bb comments and answers in discussion Interaction on each posting and

personal comments Answering general questions on Bb but

specific questions via email Videos that allowed for “a feeling of

face-to-face interaction” Regular announcements via email