Student Connection in a Virtual Environment

Nov 13

I always have sympathy for instructors of education courses, because as they provide the learning material, students are given the tools to turn around and examine and question the education that they are being provided. So as you might guess, I recently had a virtual “chat” - read e-mail exchange - with one of my instructors, exploring a VCC learning tool and its impact on adult learning motivation. I really appreciated the discussion with the instructor, but what I really wanted was to talk to my fellow students and see what they thought. Why didn’t I? Hold that thought....I’ll get back to it…

So, when I came across this article by Baldwin et al on Connecting with Online Students, it spoke to me. The article provides some good suggestions on techniques for an instructor to connect with their students, which “shifts the obligation from the instructor working singularly to create an inclusive environment to one where the class works collectively to build the community.” What interested me most was this statement:

By sharing stories, instructors create an environment where students can connect on a deeper level. Through continuous and authentic human interaction with the instructor, students will develop a meaningful connection that fosters a sense of alliance within the class.

Interaction between learners would benefit our overall learning experience, and as pointed out to me by the instructor I was chatting with, most students in the PIDP program are intrinsically motivated to improve their craft, so the goal of the program is to learn as much as possible within the 10 weeks given. So, if we as students are likely to have a better learning experience by interacting with each other on the material, I am back to the question of why I didn’t just ask my question of the class? Well, I made this short video that may help provide some insight into where my head is at:

OK…well there you go. I believe that this whole blog assignment is pretty much wrapping up, so it is likely this will be my last post for PIDP 3100. Acknowledging it has been pretty one-sided, I appreciate the chat. Take care, and I wish all my fellow learners the best as we charge through the remainder of the PIDP program!

~ Jennifer