eLearning Technologies

Research has shown that the quality of a student's learning is enhanced when they feel like they're part of a learning community. But especially online, that community doesn't form naturally. Take intentional steps to ensure that students feel able to project themselves socially and emotionally, feel a genuine connection with others in the course, and communicate purposefully in a trusting environment

How can you do this?

• Faculty-to-student interaction can include things like video announcements, weekly announcements and email reminders, personalized audio/video content, and detailed grading feedback. 
• Student-to-student interaction includes opportunities for personal introductions (e.g. Padlet), discussion board threads for casual dialogue and posting of course questions, as well as small or large group discussion, and opportunities for peer review and feedback. 
• Actively and continuously monitor students and their performance using Analytics in Blackboard Ultra. This tool can be very effective in determining whether any student in your class is falling behind or neglecting to check Blackboard regularly. Intervene early on, so they get back on track quickly.

Just as in a physical classroom, students need both formal and informal opportunities to engage with each other. This can take a number of forms.

• Student introductions, along with opportunities for other students to respond (e.g., Discussion Board or Padlet)
• Group assignments
• Peer review opportunities
• Discussions in groups smaller than the entire course
• Collaborative learning activities (e.g. Padlet, Miro)
• Optional live Zoom sessions

It's also important that faculty model for students the type of behavior they hope to see from their students. This includes engaging with student introductions and participating in course discussions.