1. Online Student Success:
The Key To Keeping Students Motivated & Engaged
Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D & LaRuth Ensley, Ed.S

2. Motivational Quote
“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” - Lou Holtz

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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 s immediately

8. 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

9. Supporting Sources 10 points
Sample Rubric
Project Criteria
Exceeds
Meets
Needs Improvement
Subtotals
40%
18-20 points
15-17 points
0-14 points
Content points
Response covers all topics indicated in the assignment and adds additional content. The writing level was superior with no errors in spelling or grammar.
Response covers all topics indicated in the assignment. The writing level was acceptable with two or less errors in spelling or grammar.
Response covers none to some of the topics indicated in the assignment. The writing level was less than acceptable with errors in spelling or grammar.
Interaction points
Multiple learner interactions that add to the discussions. Responses show evidence of critical analysis with questions to other classmates.
At least two learner interactions that add to the discussions. Responses show evidence of critical analysis.
Zero to one learner interaction in the discussion board. Response lacks evidence of critical analysis.
20%
9-10 points
7-8 points
0-6 points
Supporting Sources points
Several sources are cited are appropriate, peer reviewed, and primary sources in addition to the textbook.
Two sources are cited are appropriate, peer reviewed, and primary sources in addition to the textbook.
Zero to one source cited or sources are not appropriate, peer reviewed, and primary sources.
Grading Key
Range
TOTALS
Earned Point Total
0 - 36
Total Possible Points 50

10. Podcasts/Screencasts
Create Distribute = Mobile Access

11. 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.

12. Screencasts - Samples
Showing students how we use Desire2Learn in our online class:
Mini lecture – 7 minute screencast on using pronouns with formal commands for a Spanish II class:
Providing individual feedback to a student regarding a homework assignment:
Screencasts already available on YouTube with video:

13. Instructor Engagement
Instructor engagement is critical in the online environment for various reasons:
Student retention
Increased student support
Improve student learning outcomes

14. 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

15. Lack of Motivation Affects Students
Poor academic performance
Student retention issues
Increased dropout rates
Accreditation concerns

16. Poll Question What is the most frequent way you provide feedback?
Grades only
Conference calls
Answering s
Threaded discussions
Other

17. 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

18. What the Best Online Teachers Should Do
Based on Ken Bain’s What the Best College Teachers Do

20. Video - Sample Preparing students for an upcoming exam – with humor!
8 Secrets to Success – Motivation

21. Online Support Services
24/7
Advising/Counseling
Tutoring
Study Groups
Supplemental Instruction
Customer Service
Technical Support
If students know we are there to help them 24/7, they may feel more invested and committed.

22. Reference
Miller, J. T. (2000). Administrators, faculty and the final outcome in distance learning. The University of Houston Journal of Distance Learning. (2)1,

23. Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D & LaRuth Ensley, Ed.S
Dr. Lashun Aron, Ed.D & LaRuth Ensley, Ed.S