Week 3 Assignment 2

Steps Essential for setting up effective online experiences for adult learners?
"Focus on social presence activities for both learners and faculty."(Boettcher 2010, pg. 51)
It amounts to the same importance as introducing oneself when entering a room. People are more relaxed to interact if they are allowed to know who they are dealing with, and building a social component makes focusing learning transition more natural. In the online format, questions can be presented not only to the instructor but to other students as well who may be able to assist each other with answers. (pg. 73)


Why is it necessary to communicate clear expectations to online learners?
"Clear and unambigious guidelines about what is expected of learners and what they should expect from an instructor make a significant contribution to ensuring understanding and satisfaction in an online course." (Boettcher 2010, pg. 55)  I believe this helps learners either appreciate the coursework that lies ahead or.....allows them to decide if there in the wrong course. I have been in many traditional classroom where after the syllabus was handed out or the instructor explained the goals of the course, I would rethink my desire to go any further.  It also serves to motivate students to be prepared for the amount of dedication and learning that is expected and serves to prevent last minute surprises. Boettcher also brings out the point that teaching over several different time zones can present a real issue if deadlines are not clarifyed or adhered to.

What additional considerations should the instructor take into account when setting up an online learning experience, especially one that targets adult learning?
In an online environment we cannot assume that learners know how to communicate effectively with an instructor or their fellow students." (Boettcher 2010, pg. 72)  It is important that the instructor be able to assess where his/her students are in the process of online learning before making assumptions.  It is helpful for the instructor to take a "preweek" of introduction time to find out what is in their minds and what they think they know." (pg. 79)

Week 1 Assignment 2

What are the essential elements of online community building?

According to the video there are three main components of the online learning community: People/Purpose/Process.  The people are important because the are the learning body of the course. We create a community by sharing their thoughts and experiences, and we learn from each other.  What we also learn is that we are not just empty vessels waiting to be lectured to, but equal participants in our learning experience.

How do online learning communities significantly impact the learner’s learning and satisfaction with online education?

The online experience helps the learner to become self directed. I have learned how to research my own answers to seek out questions that are important to be answered during the course, rather than just answering questions posed to me. I have also learned a lot about myself and my learning styles through reflection excercises which is something that was new to me coming into Walden.   The student also becomes more aware of his own "presence" by having a voice in each aspect of the course. The expectation to participate is easier because it's not face-to-face, but challenging because you are learning more and more to express yourself in a way that is intelligent and meaningful to everyone in the class.

How can online learning communities be sustained?

I agree with Dr Pratt that creativity is an essential element of preservation of online learning. As long as the students are kept motivated they will continue to return to this process. Feedback is also very important. Online learning presents the opportunity for students to receive immediate feedback concerning their responses and submissions.

What is the relationship between community building and effective online instruction?

Dr. Pratt makes an excellent point, "Make the classroom warm and inviting."  Make sure the course is user friendly. Some adults are already a little intimidated by the online concept, so keeping the terminology simple and concise is helpful.  She also suggested things like using "emoticons" to present a sense of humor to the course. In my experience that makes a world of difference between the community of learners wanting to become more or less involved.

Works cited
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Online learning communities. Baltimore, MD: Author