Using Online Education to Increase Student Participation and Confidence

“The secret in education lies in respecting the student.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Making the right choice plays a huge part in learning and boosting one’s confidence. It can make all the difference between success and failure. Students today are faced with so many wonderful options to continue their education, so choosing wisely will play a large part in their success. Students will seek out courses that motivate their desire to learn. Course material and activities that students relate to will be the courses they feel most comfortable enrolling in. The class they will be most likely to sign up for will have content that aligns with their academic, career and life goals.

More and more scholars and educators are participating in online education and see it as a viable alternative to classrooms. So, the quality of the education being offered is better, proven by the increased accreditation and acceptance of these online programs.

The Students Perspective:

Seek out courses that motivate your desire to learn:

Students will find value in course material and activities they can relate to. Course content should align with student’s academic, career, and life goals.

Beneficial to the Student:

Provides an opportunity for students who are uncomfortable in a classroom setting to participate at their own pace.
Gives flexibility to juggle busy extracurricular schedules.
Travel time to campus is eliminated.

The Teacher and Faculty Perspective:

Can reach more students globally who otherwise could not have been physically in your classroom.

Provide students with feedback on their progress and set expectations

Give students regular feedback on their coursework. Give them an outline of your expectation for participation and discussion, be constructive and encouraging when providing feedback. Try and be aware of your students’ confidence levels.