088

wc07 1/15/2010 8:29:09

General Session - Conference Presentation Only (no formal paper)


 * The X Factor**

Lyndon Godsall, Kaplan University, Florida, USA, lgodsall@kaplan.edu Risa Blair, Miami Dade, Florida, USA, rblair@mdc.edu Jerry Braun, Miami Dade, Florida, USA, gdavis@mdc.edu

Teaching in an online classroom may require the instructor to employ skills that are different from those employed in a traditional classroom. Gone is the chalk-talk or the sage-on-the-stage approach. The online instructor must make his or her personality manifest through the use of technology.

This presentation will demonstrate how to add this “X” factor to the online classroom to increase student engagement and retention. Project-based classrooms with active-learning environments typically engage students and contribute to a positive learning environment. Yet, these classrooms also require many teachers to diversify their skill base to allow them to fully engage students.

Successful approaches that lead to creating and managing high-quality project-learning environments and productivity in any classroom will be demonstrated. Presenters will offer ideas that teachers can start practicing in their online classrooms to help generate more productive interactions.

The concentration will be on creating online environments that are emotionally and intellectually safe places, particularly for new students. Presenters will show how to cultivate an “Engagement Meter” and to establish an effective pace for both teacher and students as the course unfolds. In addition, tips will be given from seasoned online educators and who have demonstrated succss engaging students.

Intermediate, student engagement and retention, positive learning environment, Engagement Meter, teacher’s bag of tricks.