Howd you do that?

Practical Tools for Student Engagement and Retention

ITC eLearning ConferenceScottsdale, AZ 2016

1

Kari FrischCommunication InstructorCentral Lakes College-Brainerd, MNkfrisch@clcmn.edu

2

Disclaimer: Slides are TEXT-HEAVY!

I understand.No, not good practice.Done purposefully with sharing in mind.

Its not just the tools you use but how you use them!

5

AGENDA:

1. One Degree of Learning

2. The Dirty Dozen 3. PLAYTIME!

6

Practical Tools within the LMS

7

#1 Tables for Assignment ScheduleTABLE FORMAT THAT INCLUDES :Assignment Order (number the items down the first column)Check-off/Completion ColumnAssignment Title, Directions, Location, Grading CriteriaDue Date by Specific Day, Date and Time (Wed. February 22, 1:00 pm)Total Points Possible Learning Objectives (so they know why theyre doing it)

This helps keep the students and the course organized.

*

Examples of Assignment Schedules:

Assignment Schedule Example #1 Mass Comm:http://tinyurl.com/lbpjl7g

Assignment Schedule Example #2 Interpersonal:http://tinyurl.com/m7r7jlh

#2 Content tool for Weekly Notes not announcement tool

Keep announcement page minimalfor really important messages

Weekly Notes under CONTENT

Top portion: Notes for all ClassesBottom portion: Class Specific Notes

This helps overall class communication. Weekly notes help develop a sense of immediacy, helps tie weeks content together, and gets out other important information. Students know Im in real time with them.

10

Examples of note points:Words of encouragementReminders about policiesTips on LMS (collapsible content)Further explanation of difficult chapter conceptsHeads up about unusual assignments or special needs for the futureSchool notices that weve been asked to pass on (financial aid pickup, college surveys, graduation info, special events, etc.)Assignment clarification/directions/examples

Examples of notes:Notes Example #1 Interpersonal:http://tinyurl.com/nvv68xl

Notes Example #2 Mass Comm:http://tinyurl.com/lshnsnc

Notes help connect me to my students and

Connecting is engaging,Engaging is connectingConnecting at 1 degree

ICE BREAKERS

TIME TO CONNECT!

One of my favorite icebreakers became a class standardand my tip #3

#3 Discussion Boards for Classmate Questions: (Students as Tools) Student-created (different engagement when it is from peer) Post one weekly if possible

This helps foster a sense of community.*

QUESTIONS FOR CLASSMATESWeek 1: I usually start with two, 2-part questions, listed as Karis week 1 questions, one set per forum:Question Set #1

Part A)Where do you consider yourself from and why? Part B)What are you going to school to study? Question Set #2

Part A)How many online classes have you taken before?Part B) If you have had one or more online classes before, what advice might you give someone taking an online class for the very first time? If this is your first online class, what do you think you need to do differently in order to be successful in this online learning environment?

17

Here are some examples of past questions from students

General questions:

If you could own a non-traditional pet, what would it be?

If you could change any one thing about the way society is today; what would it be and why?

If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be and why?

Dogs or cats? Which do you prefer and why?

What, if anything, would you do differently with your life if you won the lottery today?

If you could be a super hero, what would your special power be?

Here are some course specific examples:

Mass Communication Where do you go to get your news and is the internet helping or hurting news media?What movie has had the most impact on your life? Explain your answer.

Intercultural Communication What language would you want to learn to speak fluently and why that one over all others?Choose one country youd like to visit and one person (living or dead) from that country that you would like to be your tour guide and explain why you chose as you did.If you were visiting the country of your choice, would you rather remain in familiar, "Americanized" resorts or would you prefer to stay/travel with a local from that country? Why?

Interpersonal Communication What is the biggest difference between distant learning and in class learning?How do you feel about talking in front of people you dont know?

Online Social Networking What is your favorite Facebook game and how often per day, week, or month do you spend on it?What effect do you think texting has had on other forms of communication?

#4 Release Settings: Weekly Release Release information only for that upcoming week. Include dates in subject line as well as week # Use reverse uploading (most current at top) Make logical sequence for students Use outline format

This helps keep content more ADA-friendly (less scrolling for all of us). Weekly release keeps them engaged yet not OVERWHELMED!

Example:

#5 Due Dates: Two each week WEDNESDAYS (some small work always due each week, 1/3 or work, ie discussion post and a small quiz) FRIDAYS (the other 2/3 due this day, usually chapter quizzes and other assignments)All is released at 3 pm and work can be completed any time between release and due date for that week.

This gets students into course early and helps prevent total procrastination and spreads out work.*

22

I always release the upcoming weeks work (notes, assignment schedule, and anything with a release date) at 3 pm on the Friday prior to the start of the week. This allows students the chance to work on homework (or at least pop in to see what the week will look like) over the weekend.To me the weekend is meant for being proactive not for procrastinatingso I set up class that wayI can usually count students who are on-top of their studies to be the first ones in and its a good check-in for me.If there is an issue I can usually have it fixed before the majority of students have logged in for the week.

#6 Campus Resources as Emergency Tool Kit: Deadlines with Safety Net

Both my Wednesday and Friday deadlines are set for 1 pm not midnight Im available at that time, computer help desk is available, tutoring center is open, local lms office is open, state lms help line is running, etc. Assignments are open all week (and weekend prior). Students are not required to be online at 1 pm, just have their work done by then.

If students have an issue (with content or with their technology) they have a support network that can assist.

Classmate Questions in the discussion area are always due WednesdaysSurvey of the past weeks learning objectives always due WednesdaysChapter Quizzes are always due on FridaysI try to be consistent in grading (two communication errors equals a point deduction with one freebie.)Chapter Quizzes are always 25 points No Late Work- No Exception

24

#7 Assessments: Consistently use Variety Courses Assignments (think multiple intelligences and learning styles) Opportunities (I have some assignment choices: do A or B)

This help keep students engaged and connected to content. Aim for one degree.

Due dates/times Repeat-type assignments Class PoliciesGrading

This gets students into a routine and helps class management.

25

I have students take Learning Style Assessment and try to hit all learner types. For examplePlaylists (use for survey, and I frequently have students create a playlist based on a theme)Videos (as supplemental content, as tutorials, quiz them on videos, search & report on videos and soon will have them create their own videos)Word Scrambles Fill in the missing word in this quoteInterpersonal interview assignments Photo Assignments

Use Web 2.0 Tools and Web 3.0 Tools!

Lets explore some of theseBut first

What you are about to hear may be unusualbut hear me out.

WARNING! WARNING!!

#8 Fully Use Quizzing Tool Settings.TIERED RANDOMIZATION:Question orderAnswer options within the question itselfQuestions selected from question pool

I Do UNTIMED OPEN BOOK QUIZZES:Ive found this helps relieve student and instructor stress so we can focus on active learning.

29

#9 Extra Credit As Spellcheck Tool One point (only on quizzes and surveys) Only to first person who properly reports the error (must include student name, class, quiz/survey title, question number, error and what the error should be)

This promotes real accountability and improves course communication.

ACTIVE LEARNINGBREAK!!!!

http://tinyurl.com/l3benzu

Can you be the first?

#10 Surveys Student Self Assessments Concept Application Course Effectiveness

This helps keep students and instructor connected to the learning objectives.

33

#11 Relationships as ToolsBetween the student and the contentBetween you and the studentBetween the students themselves

This helps build a stronger sense of community and helps more holistic growth of your students (and dare I say you as the instructor too).*

Examples Between Student and Content:Have students share personal experiencesThink about different learning stylesGive options to meet those stylesActive learning opportunities beyond testsWindows & Mirrors

Examples Between You and Student:Use personal experiencesShare photos and videosBe personable in discussion boardsUse constructive criticism and feedback

Be passionate and dont be afraid to share!!

Examples Between Students:

Ice BreakersMost interesting/Most surprisingWeekly discussion board questionsReflections on peer workSurveys share overall class results

#12 Communication Tool: Politeness Reaffirm respectful communication Use please and thank you Encouraging words Be a Role Model: Answer questions first, then do a food for thought or please re-read this and see if it could be perceived in a way Encourage I-messages

Promotes class integrity, respect, and win-win communication.

Remember its not just the tools you use, but how you use them

39

Be Attitudes (Be Verbs)

Be PRESENT

Be CREATIVE

Be ORGANIZED

Be PASSIONATE

Be YOURSELF

*

40

OKIts PLAYTIME!

41

Rememberits not just one thing

I hope you were able to pick up a few gemsyou can use or promote on your campus.

Thanks and Good Luck!