In the News | How to excel in an online course
Athabasca University professor shares advice for succeeding in online learning
Sept. 15 is Online Learning Day and in response to the global pandemic, we’ve seen online learning become more prominent than ever. Athabasca University (AU) professor and program director Dr. Marti Cleveland-Innes joined CTV Morning Live to talk about how to be successful in an online learning environment.
And though most students went back to school in person over the last few weeks, some individuals—in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools—opted to learn online.
Innes explained the differences between online and face-to-face learning, and addressed the topic of emergency remote delivery versus well-designed distance education.
Pandemic not necessarily reflective of quality online learning
“I know for some learners during the COVID pandemic, ‘online learning’ meant watching a teacher teach through video call all day, but this is not how a well-designed online distance education course would be,” said Cleveland-Innes.
“Well-designed online distance education includes clear activities identified for individuals, groups, and teachers. It also has easily available material, clear directions, and open communication to support learners and learning.”
“Well-designed online distance education includes clear activities identified for individuals, groups, and teachers. It also has easily available material, clear directions, and open communication to support learners and learning.”
– Dr. Marti Cleveland-Innes, professor and program director at Athabasca University
“Be prepared and know what to expect”
During the interview, Cleveland-Innes also provided some ways to succeed in an online learning environment.
“Be prepared and know what to expect,” she advised. “Become familiar with the technology, ask questions about what is expected for participation and assignments, and stay connected to the school and your classmates.”
To help individuals prepare for an online environment, on Sept. 26 AU will offer Learning to Learn Online, a massive open online course.
It’s completely free and designed to help individuals who plan on pursuing online an education program to learn more about distance education and how it works.
Learn more about Learning to Learn Online.
