Online Student Success:
The Key To Keeping Students Motivated & Engaged
Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D
lashi2000@aol.com
&
LaRuth Ensley, Ed.S
l_ensley@hotmail.com
Motivational Quote
“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry
it.” - Lou Holtz
Learning Outcomes
 Identify problems that keep online students from succeeding
 Develop best practices for motivating students in the online
environment
 Gain an understanding of how motivation affects student
retention
 Apply key principles of human motivation to promote
student motivation in the online environment
Poll Question
What are some of the biggest challenges you encounter in getting
students motivated and engaged in your online course?
• Poor time management skills
• Not interested in the course material
• Technical issues
• Other
Common Problems Encountered by
Online Learners
•
•
•
•
•
Poor time management skills
Lack of appropriate skills/reading and writing
Course objectives unclear/vague
Course required for graduation
Trying to juggle too many things
Best Practices for Keeping Students
Motivated
•
•
•
•
•
•
Instructor presence
Instructor feedback
Faculty engagement
Asking thought-provoking & relevant questions
Using TED Talks or YouTube
Provide online support services
http://www.onlinecollege.org/2012/08/29/10-ted-talks-online-instructors/
Instructor Presence
• Post to the discussion board actively (at least 4 times per
week)
• Post videos to stimulate learning (TED Talks,YouTube,
etc.)
• Provide timely and detailed feedback
• Respond to question threads, and emails immediately
Instructor Feedback
• Must be timely
• Must be detailed and specific
• Use rubrics when possible
•
Provide the rubrics in advance and when the assignment is
graded
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
Sample Rubric
Project Criteria
40%
Content
20 points
40%
Interaction
20 points
20%
Exceeds
18-20 points
Meets
15-17 points
Needs Improvement
0-14 points
Subtotals
Response covers all topics Response covers all topics Response covers none to
indicated in the assignment
indicated in the
some of the topics indicated
and adds additional content.
assignment. The writing in the assignment. The writing
The writing level was superior level was acceptable with
level was less than
with no errors in spelling or
two or less errors in
acceptable with errors in
grammar.
spelling or grammar.
spelling or grammar.
18-20 points
15-17 points
0-14 points
Multiple learner interactions
At least two learner
Zero to one learner
that add to the discussions. interactions that add to the
interaction in the discussion
Responses show evidence of discussions. Responses
board. Response lacks
critical analysis with questions show evidence of critical
evidence of critical analysis.
to other classmates.
analysis.
9-10 points
7-8 points
0-6 points
Several sources are cited are Two sources are cited are Zero to one source cited or
Supporting Sources
appropriate, peer reviewed, appropriate, peer reviewed, sources are not appropriate,
10 points
and primary sources in addition and primary sources in
peer reviewed, and primary
to the textbook.
addition to the textbook.
sources.
Grading Key
Exceeds
Meets
Range
45 - 50
37 - 44
Needs Improvement
0 - 36
TOTALS
Earned Point Total
Total Possible Points
50
Podcasts/Screencasts
Create
+
Distribute
=
Mobile Access
Instructor Feedback
Have you ever used a screencast or
podcast as a way to provide feedback?
 Provide individual feedback on a paper or test
 Record a screencast of common errors made on a
quiz/exam for the entire class
 Other? Please send your ideas via chat.
http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/
Screencasts - Samples
Showing students how we use Desire2Learn in our online class:
http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cIVbY0VQt1
Mini lecture – 7 minute screencast on using pronouns with formal commands for a Spanish II
class:
http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/clf2F8plt
Providing individual feedback to a student regarding a homework assignment:
http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cIni3XVlO4
Screencasts already available on YouTube with video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/EducatorVids2?v=wjFgeiFNYlE
Instructor Engagement
Instructor engagement is critical in the online
environment for various reasons:
• Student retention
• Increased student support
• Improve student learning outcomes
Ask Thought-Provoking Questions
•
•
•
•
Questioning students in ways that allow students to think at higher
levels
Ensure opportunities for students’ success by assigning tasks that are
neither too easy nor too difficult
Help students find personal meaning and value in the material
Help students feel they are valued members
of a learning community
Lack of Motivation Affects Students
•
•
•
•
Poor academic performance
Student retention issues
Increased dropout rates
Accreditation concerns
Poll Question
What is the most frequent way you provide feedback?
•
•
•
•
•
Grades only
Conference calls
Answering emails
Threaded discussions
Other
Faculty Motivation
• For faculty to motivate students in their learning, you
must create an environment where students are
engaged (Miller, 2000).
• Increase students’ critical thinking skills
What the Best Online Teachers Should
Do
Based on Ken Bain’s What the Best College Teachers Do
http://jolt.merlot.org/vol7no4/brinthaupt_1211.htm
Video - Sample
Preparing students for an upcoming exam – with humor!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTXKa2UTt2Y&feature=share&list=UUU290vXitPc
CMQH9AH5mBAw
8 Secrets to Success – Motivation
http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_st_john_s_8_secrets_of_success.html
Online Support Services
• 24/7
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Advising/Counseling
Tutoring
Study Groups
Supplemental Instruction
Customer Service
Technical Support
Reference
Miller, J. T. (2000). Administrators, faculty and the
final outcome in distance learning. The
University of Houston Journal of Distance
Learning. (2)1, 13-19.
Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D
lashi2000@aol.com
& LaRuth Ensley, Ed.S
l_ensley@hotmail.com