Instructional Technology
Conference 2007

Title: Matching People, Processes and Products: Supporting Different Learner Characteristics and Preferences in an Online Environment.

Name: Steven R. Terrell

Audience Level: all

Audience: general

Length: 30-45 mins

Abstract:
Unless considered during the design, development and use of an online learning environment, student learning characteristics and preferences can negatively affect achievement and persistence in a course or program. This presentation demonstrates, via case-study based best practices, tools and techniques that have been shown to lead to higher levels of student achievement and satisfaction.

Description:
In far too many instances, attempts to create effective online learning environments result in three problems. First, many institutions look at distance education programs as nothing more than the online equivalent of a traditional classroom course. Oftentimes this results in the acquisition, development and support of only the tools that are perceived as necessary to support that environment. Finally, many faculty members who are accustomed to teaching in a traditional classroom are forced to “sink or swim”; very rarely do they have the complete skill set or time necessary to develop a quality online course.

The author believes these problems may be effectively addressed by first heeding the current call in the literature to “think backwards” while developing an online course. Instructors should first identify a specific course goal or objective before deciding how best to support a given learner’s ability to reach that goal. While this may seem simplistic, it is imperative that instructors keep the broad range of possible learner characteristics and preferred learning conditions in mind when choosing the online tool or technique best suited for use in a given situation.

Learner characteristics are constructs such as locus of control, task orientation and level of motivation that can affect achievement. Their counterpart, learning conditions, refer to such things as preferred modes of communication, time management skills and need for time and place independence. As alluded to earlier, the “one size fits all” approach that many institutions adopt doesn’t work in many instances; this is evidenced by attrition rates that are dramatically higher than those of their campus-based equivalents. A failure to recognize and address student preferences during the design, development and use of an online learning environment likely contributes to these higher levels. To that end, this presentation focuses on a set of best practices aimed at helping instructors and students make the most of their online learning experience.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

Contact information/affiliation:
Steven R. Terrell, Ed.D.
Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences
Nova Southeastern University
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33314
terrell@nova.edu
954-262-2084