Engage!

How engaged would you want to be in an online course? Probably very - that's why you decided to take an online course in the first place, isn't it? So if that's what you want in a course, that's what you should plan for your students.

There are tons of ways to interact and engage your learners in an online class.

How's the level of engagement here? Ha!

Basically, students need to engage with you and I (the instructors), the content, and most importantly - each other. And there was no engagement in Ferris's class was there? Not with the content, the students nor the teacher! You don't want this to be you in your online classroom.

Of course you will be engaging in conversations with your students from the start of the course. Your students will know your availability and how to reach you from the syllabus you provide.  You will engage them from the very beginning through your materials, an opening email or message, and your connection will remain throughout the course. Keep interacting through the discussion board or chats so your students continue to feel valued in the course.

Now, let's look at engaging with content. Are you engaged right now? Yes? Well, you are reading! But do you want to only learn the content by reading? You watched a video with audio, didn't you?! Your senses are working! Think about incorporating videos, Power Point with audio, podcasts, Prezi presentations, or a web field trip! You may be teaching adults, but learning the content should still be fun and interactive. As an instructor you can learn how to create new ways to deliver your content too!

Your students have engaged with some of your content, so next they should be interacting with each other about the content. People are valuable resources, and sharing experiences and knowledge with colleagues is often the best learning. So - host webinars, chats, online meetings! Open up your discussion board for Q & A's or other topics. Allow your students to engage in conversation about the content as much as possible so their understanding deepens.

So, how do you feel about engaging your students? There's a lot to consider but I think I'm ready!

www.iap2.org.au

References:

• http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ890707.pdf
• Discussion Board Blackboard 9.0 Generating and Facilitating Engaging and Effective Online Discussions
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP0mQeLWCCo&feature=kp
• Google image - www.iap2.org.au