NAME: FARA AZEAN BT YUSOFF ANUAR

MATRICS NUMBER: A19HP3016

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SHPP1042

ENGAGING STUDENTS TO MAXIMIZE IN AN ONLINE LEARNING

Nowadays, student engagement is the key to successful teaching and learning, regardless
of the content and format of the content delivery mechanism. However, in this online learning
environment presents a particular challenge in engaging students. It is quite different from face-
to-face courses as online courses present a unique challenge as the only social presence between
the faculty and student is via the internet. In this journal, it explores various strategies that can be
included into the design of online learning courses to stimulate high level student’s engagement
based on multiple learning. Basically, it is critical to create active learning through the major
components of online or blended course, including discussions, assignments and assessment to
promote a high-level students’ engagement. Moreover, the quality of online course rather than
face-to-face counterpart is the most critical issue that impacts the design and development of online
courses.

One of the most leading organizational challenges is the lack of recognition of the time
needed to effectively design and manage online courses. It is because online course development
requires a lot planning and specialized training when converting a face-to-face class into online
format. Plus, it is considerable amount of time is required for developing an online course. Not
forget to mention about the learning environment creates many challenges that require patience,
skills and experience in handling and overcoming it. For example, the bandwidth of the internet
can cause the internet connection to slow down causing blocking and frustration for the faculty
and students.

First and foremost, there are many mechanisms of active learning that can be used to
enhance student learning. Besides, a few aspects that should be considered with regard to online
courses is the integration of design elements, accessibility of materials, development among
students and faculty and use of effective assessments methods. In the journal has stated that
integrated course design models consist of the basic components of identification of situation
factors, learning goals, teaching and learning activities and feedback assessment (Fink, 2015).
Some of the strategies to develop best practice in the online environment are building a community,
clearly outlining course expectations, utilizing online tools for interaction, promoting the exchange
ideas and also creating an environment that is student centered.

Other than that, online courses are very significant on accessibility of course materials. It
is also depending on students’ ability to access the materials. Henceforward, these days mobile
learning is considered as an extension of online technologies. It provides students with access to
course resources while on the go and is designed to allow real time access to the online course
with mobile devices. In meantime the mobile learning has advantages, it also comes with its own
challenges. Mobile learning provides access to learning at anytime and anywhere adding
accessibility to learning. Most students and learners have mobile devices and having access to
learning while on the go increases the chances of success. However, mobile devices have limited
resources like viewable area, limited memory and processing power. Plus, the accessibility of
course content that is faculty created as well as student created, in-class and out-class connection,
assessment and self-assessment, tools that would facilitate student interaction and communication
with classmates and faculty within the online environment.

In addition, providing a forum for the development of a community is one of the most
crucial components of online learning. It is very important to have a clear expectation of the
students and the instructor at the beginning of the course. For example, use of a recorded welcome
to the course so that it allows students to meet the educators virtually. Also, it is essential for
students to feel comfortable and valued in the course to be actively engaged in the activities of the
course. Some activities that engaged students in critical thinking are able to help create a
community of learning. Meanwhile, discussion offer a great opportunity to design activities that
can increase student ownership and participation such as debates, role-playing, drama and peer
learning. As we facing the online learning, the students can create video clips of debates, drama
and post them in the discussion to share with other classmates.

Apart from that, another significant part in engaged students in online learning is through
discussion. As we know that interaction and communication between the students is one of the
most cognitive presence. It is also including on improving the communication skills and enhancing
students learning. Some of advantages on online discussions over classroom discussion are
convenience, additional time for students to reflect on discussion responses, higher participation
and greater sense of community. Well said, the success of online discussion largely influences the
effectiveness of online courses.

All in all, despite the challenges faced in developing and delivering effective online
courses, participation in online courses is becoming widespread. It is important to recognized that,
instead of tools being utilized, designing an effective online learning involves systematic planning,
considerable resources and dedicated time commitment as well as experience and expertise in
teaching and learning. Times are changing. With virtual learning, reactions are usually not seen
and cannot really know if and when students become confused. Therefore, it is important for
educators learn more available options so that they can integrate them into educational programs
as well as counselling for students and potential students.

REFERENCES

Khan, A., Egbue, O., Palkie, B., & Madden, J. (2017). Active learning: Engaging students to
maximize learning in an online course. Electronic Journal of E-Learning, 15(2), 107-115.

https://elearningindustry.com/engaging-content-for-online-teaching-and-learning

https://elearningindustry.com/5-ways-technology-impacts-learning-today