Enhancing Student Learning in Online Courses

Abstract

Seven teaching and learning tools, including course handouts, threaded discussion forums, and written assignments enhance learning in online courses by enabling students to deepen their understanding of course material and reduce anxiety about the online setting and their performance in the class. These tools have been used in 24 community college sections of Lifespan Development Psychology online with 720 students ranging from 18 to 62 years of age. Student response has been favorable, as expressed in student journals, online discussion, informal email messages, and course evaluations. Additional assignments, handouts, and discussion forums are suggested to make a complete course template. The potential problems of cheating on exams and the lack of in-person contact are discussed. (Author) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Enhancing Student Learning in Online Courses 1 Enhancing Student Learning in Online Courses Marjorie E. Hofstad Everett Community College Presented at 111th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association at Toronto, Ontario, Canada. August 2003. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) CI This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organizaiion originating it. CI Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY 1 TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) BEST COPY AVAILABLE C:) hC\I e) Enhancing Student Learning in Online Courses 2 Abstract Seven teaching and learning tools, including course handouts, threaded discussion forums, and written assigmnents enhance learning in online courses by enabling students to deepen their understanding of course material and reduce anxiety about the online setting and their performance in the class. These tools have been used in 24 community college sections of Lifespan Developmental Psychology online with 720 students ranging from 18 to 62 years of age. Student response has been favorable, as expressed in student journals, online discussion, informal email messages, and course evaluations. Additional assignments, handouts, and discussion forums are suggested to make a complete course template. The potential problems of cheating on exams and the lack of in-person contactSeven teaching and learning tools, including course handouts, threaded discussion forums, and written assigmnents enhance learning in online courses by enabling students to deepen their understanding of course material and reduce anxiety about the online setting and their performance in the class. These tools have been used in 24 community college sections of Lifespan Developmental Psychology online with 720 students ranging from 18 to 62 years of age. Student response has been favorable, as expressed in student journals, online discussion, informal email messages, and course evaluations. Additional assignments, handouts, and discussion forums are suggested to make a complete course template. The potential problems of cheating on exams and the lack of in-person contact