Online Presence
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| Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels |
I know we were asked to address one example that increases online presence, but I really wanted to mention two, sorry!
1. Splash Page!
2. Communication
How we communicate to our audience in online learning is extremely important, and Shackelford and Maxwell (2012) highlight the importance of providing multiple modes of communication. Learners have different technology comfort zones and in many cases different time zones, so instructors need to provide learners with different forms of communication. Here is a list of a few tools I use to differentiate my modes of communication:
- Jing Allows instructors to screen capture and send links or embed video.
- Zoom: online video conferencing software that allows users to schedule meetings and share screens.
- Vocaroo: Allows teachers to provide verbal feedback through an audio podcast.
These tools help me differentiate my communication as well as show learners that I care about their responses and who they are as individuals. As an educator who educates educators, I like to practice what I preach. If I tell my pre-service teachers to make sure they demonstrate respect and care to their students, then I must do the same. Plante and Asselin (2014) identified studies that focused on the importance of instructors demonstrating care in online learning, and learners need to hear and see that the instructor cares. I make sure to provide written narratives, vocal narratives(podcast), and visual feedback. There are times when I know the material is of a sensitive nature and simply writing a response will not do. I know that my learners need to see my expresseions because as we all know, people read the text in the current mood they are in, and I want to make sure they clearly see and hear my reaction to their work.
References
Jones, B. (2013, July 17). 6 eLeanring intro screen ideas. Retrieved from https://elearningart.com/blog/6-elearning-intro-screen-ideas/
Plante, K., & Asselin, M. E. (2014). Best practices for creating social presence and caring behaviors online. Nursing Education Perspectives, 35(4), 219-223.
Shackelford, J. L., & Maxwell, M. (2012). Contribution of learner–instructor interaction to sense of community in graduate online education. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. Pieejams http://jolt. merlot. org/vol8no4/shackelford_1212. htm [skatīts 15.11. 2013.].
I love your splash page redesign! It carries through your themes and serves as a great communication tool. Designers and Facilitators often forget about the importance of the visual in communication :-)
ReplyDeleteI am definitely borrowing this! I can see this in a micro credentialing setting . . .
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI am loving your attention to communication as I believe it to be the key to every student's success young or old. I have not tried Jing but I do find success with Snagit also in the TechSmith suite of apps. It too allows for screen capture and instructor feedback. Thanks for "practicing what you preach" as an instructor because it does make a difference. I paid a visit to the Vocaroo site but it was being updated. I look forward to trying it out. Great post!
Pamela
I love your splash page. I ALWAYS forget about Canva. When I am building content I spend so much time scouring source to find good icons. I have used Canva from time to time, but I keep forgetting about it. Thanks for reminding me. Maybe I'll put a "Use Canva" post-it note on my computer monitor so I remember from now on.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteI love that you mentioned in your blog how you enjoyed learning more about splash pages, because I did too! I never new what a splash page was until last semester and after reading more in this module I found more and more great information to revamp my current splash pages.
I am thrilled to see you mention communication! This is key in online learning!! Thanks for including different modes of communication it is very helpful!
I love your Splash Page! It is clean and easy to navigate. I am with Pamela on this one, "I like to practice what I preach" . It is refreshing see and much needed in education. Modeling is the easiest way to teach and express expectations, so why don't more instructors do it? finally, thank you for sharing Jing. That is a new one for me, and I am excited to check it out.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Amy,
ReplyDeleteYour splash page is wonderful. I used to be a loyal fan of Piktochart for all of my info graphs, but in this past year I have discovered Canva and use it just as much. Having a math background, I love the symmetry and simplicity of your design. It is very obvious to users and I think they appreciate not having to hunt around. Great job!