Tips to Increase Online Student Comfort Level & Engagement

Online learning can be a real challenge. Whether it is an adult in a tertiary program or a K-12er, the transition to an online format forces any student to make the switch from teacher-led learning to self-directed learning. That takes practice, patience, and coaching. Online students must find, the motivation and self-control to work independently and productively. Not being in the physical classroom where the teacher can see, moves the accountability to the student and makes it easier for an online student to give up or fall behind without anyone noticing until it is too late. Institutions will have to revisit and consider spending additional budget dollars on curriculum development to adapt and create content that engages and excites students. Additionally, students will need support and encouragement, so they do not lose motivation. This can be a tough transition for parents who have grown accustomed to this being the teacher’s job. They may either be busy professionals or technology deficient themselves.

Here are some tips for educators aimed at increasing the comfort level of online students.

1. Orient students to the online learning experience – New Student Orientation

For majority of students, adjusting to the online learning experience is new and challenging. To help ease their transition to this new environment, they should be introduced to online learning, their school’s learning management system (LMS), and their online courses that they will be taking. This should be a virtual but highly interactive new student orientation, that also includes strategies on time management, goal setting, and planning and prioritizing work.

2. Learning materials should be clear updated and organized

Within the online course, students should have an easy time locating course materials, any discussions, handouts, and announcements in places anyone would naturally look. Including a to-do list is a great way to help students stay on track and feel a sense of accomplishment, as they progress through the list.

3. Prevent Isolation by interacting with and supporting students

Feeling the instructor’s presence is a very important element in online education. Live video conferences or prerecorded videos are a great way to let students feel as if you are right there. Students who appear to be at risk of failing, due to poor assignment grades or lack of regular logins, should be contacted to see if encouragement or other support is needed. This reduces the likelihood of the student losing interest in the course. Responsiveness to emails or office hours also increases the instructor accessibility that makes life easier for an online student.

Proactive check-ins with students throughout the weeks of the term or semester are an effective means of motivation and engagement especially when it's time for exams or other assessments. Students should also be monitored to see if they are making progress or having challenges. Communication and partnership with parents should be ongoing.

4. Space out and vary the learning

The content of courses should be easy to learn and retain. This may be accomplished by delivering in bite-sizes. There are many studies available that espouse the chunking principle, another version of which is the Pomodoro Technique. This is all about taking into consideration the natural human attention span while teaching or studying. Twenty-five minutes of teaching or studying followed by 5-minute breaks has been shown to be very effective in maintaining focus and motivation and reducing burn-out and distraction.

5. Don’t forget the FUN

Include opportunities, (Fridays are perfect) for activities and other virtual interactions that bring students together for something fun to create a sense of community.

Juliet