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How to Motivate Students in the Online Learning Environment

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From Online Learning Insights: A Blog about Open and Online Education

  • Provide timely feedback on assignments. At the beginning of phase two, the student should ideally receive feedback on at least one individual assignment. This provides the instructor with the opportunity to make a connection with the student, thus encourage and motivate a student just at the point when the student is moving towards becoming an independent learner. This reinforces the student's increasing level of self-direction.

  • Respond to student questions within 24 hours. Doing so encourages focus and commitment - the student senses that someone 'cares'.

  • Include constructive and personalized feedback on assignments. Specific comments about a student's work sends a message that his or her learning matters. Even if a grade is poor, constructive and supportive feedback from the instructor is appreciated.

  • Craft a weekly message in the form of a text or video message to post to the course home page. Doing so demonstrates to students that the instructor is indeed involved and engaged in the course.

  • Acknowledge academic challenges. If a given week is challenging academically, provide encouragement and suggest additional resources that students might find helpful.

  • Comment strategically within discussion boards- making note of insightful or notable comments made by students.

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ONLINE FACULTY

Vince Petronio

Professor Vince Petronio

Communication Studies


"Online Learning levels the playing field for students. It gives introverts time to think before participating and gives others the opportunity to say all they want to say without being interrupted"

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