Episode 108: A Fresh Semester, and a Fresh Look at Online Learning

Key Info for this Podcast
Update on my winter break, goal achievement
Online Learning, focus on Engagement
What is engagement?
- Compare to traditional class
  - With instructor
  - With other students
Why does it matter?
- Consider environment
  - Tangible (location)
  - Intangible (peers)
OLC Accelerate 2018: What did I come away with?
- Keynote was awesome!
  - Dr. Jane McGonigal
  - Importance/value of today’s games, how they might inform us of what online learning will look like in the future
    - Everyone’s a potential ally
    - Abundance philosophy
    - Peer-to-peer network
    - Trading of items
    - Sharing achievements
- Engagement is what you put into it (learners and instructors).
  - The actual assignments are the direct method for engaging.
  - Teachers —> Stop it with the “Week #1 Icebreaker, then links/document repository for rest of semester”
    - Put some soul into your course!
    - Leave a piece of yourself in the assignment
    - Show the students a little of who you are
  - Students —> It’s on you to make the community happen (if you want it) if the teacher is unwilling
    - Initiate the engagement
      - Through the LMS
      - Email
      - Study group (video conferencing)
      - Shared Google Doc
      - Group text (What’s App)
      - Meeting up locally on campus
My examples
- Wellness & Recovery course
- FOTW example

Important links for today’s Episode

Housekeeping:

If you are a recent college grad or faculty member that’s in recovery for mental health issues, I’d love to interview you about your goal achievement quest, the struggles/adversity you faced, as well the wellness strategies you used! I’m particularly interested in interviewing student entrepreneurs and those involved in mental health advocacy. There are a variety of ways to reach out.
Email me at: collegestudentsuccesspodcast@gmail.com
The Official Podcast Website
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Looking for help on how to become a better online student in college? Try my course, Ace Your Online Class, available on Udemy. It’s got lots of tips and strategies on how to not only survive learning online in today’s college environment, but thrive! Totally free.
Thanks to Rob Cavallo for today’s intro music. For more information about him or the music you heard today, you can email: peloquin17@yahoo.com