This presentation explores the importance of creating opportunities for connection in the asynchronous online classroom and provides techniques to engage students with course content, their classmates, professor, and community. In higher education, the rise in online enrollment has brought both opportunities and challenges. One challenge students often report is a sense of disconnection in the virtual classroom which can hinder their educational experience and negatively impact course outcomes. Taking an online course should not feel like a solitary act. With planning, educators can create interactive and engaging online experiences even in an asynchronous course. To build rapport, cultivate community, strengthen communication and critical thinking, I've integrated technologies and strategies to enhance engagement. Some examples of external tools used are VoiceThread, Vevox, Padlet, and AI. VoiceThread is used extensively, allowing students to interact visually multiple times per week. Students post video-recorded reflections and responses to discussion questions and peer posts. I post video recorded prompts and comments to encourage discussion. I conduct student check-ins, video-recorded announcements. how-to tutorials, and podcasts. Padlet and AI are utilized for group brainstorming. Vevox provides an opportunity for live meeting activities where students apply course concepts. Sessions are recorded for those who cannot attend. Community connection takes place through optional local community engagement opportunities and through community-themed assignments. Online students deserve the same rich, active educational experience that students receive in the face-to-face-classroom. With thoughtful course design, we can bridge the gap in online education to create a more connected and enriching learning experience.

Authors:
Jane Hercules, Georgia State University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Jane Midea Hercules, Associate Professor of Speech Communication at Georgia State University-Perimeter College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Intentional course design to create meaningful connection for students in the online, asynchronous classroom.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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