Designing Online Courses for Diverse Communities of
Learners
Jill Hurst-Wahl@Jill_HW
Jan. 21, 2014
Why Do I Care?
Are online students different?
• Possible generalities– Older– Working full-time– Have a family– Self-starters– Comfortable w/tech
• Possible concerns– Tough setting aside time– Dependent on fallible tech– Lack of cultural clues– Time zone differences– Need to be present
Two Areas of Consideration
• Regional / ethnic cultural context
• Information in different formats
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Regional / Ethnic Cultural Context
• Easier for students to attend distant program.
• Will not have the same language skills or cultural context.
• Need to teach to a global – not local – audience.
Recommendations: Instruction• Explain. Explain. Explain.• Eliminate colloquial language, jargon & acronyms.• With video and audio, be aware of your pace.– Include text, so students can read and hear.
• Use non-”your region of the world” examples.
Recommendations: Communication
• Ask students to introduce themselves.–Model what you want them to do.–Audio? Video? Photos?
• Create discussions where all can participate.• Check-in with students using other
communication methods.
Information in Different Formats
• Different learning styles• Hearing vs. seeing vs. doing• Use handouts • Allow your materials to be downloaded• Be more than a “talking head”
• Challenge yourself!
Keep in Mind…
Make the course structure obvious
Jill Hurst-WahlDirector, LIS and School Media [email protected](315) 443-1070@Jill_HW
