How do you address the challenges and barriers that online students face?

I provide links in my Announcements and have an automated meeting scheduler for them to use without playing "When are you available, email BINGO." I also hold weekly chats so they get to meet each other.

Open, welcoming dialogue! At the start of every class and session, I ask the students what they need, and if they would like/need my assistance for anything related to the class: assignment/grading clarification, terms/concepts discussed in each assignment, and learning goals for each assignment and the course. I also always allow time to discuss student schedules and allow for make-up options if needed. Most importantly, If the primary online classroom site crashes, or any number of students are experiencing connection issues on their end, I ensure at least two back-up options are on standby (e.g. Zoom, Google Meet) and that students are always welcome to contact me via email or text.

' Plan - Communicate - Care' :: Students may encounter greater difficulties when attempting to communicate with their instructors and colleagues in an online setting. Students may feel more isolated if they are perplexed due to the inability to approach the instructor after class (except when the instructor permits queries in synchronous classes). Even if a student submits a query online, the instructor's time zone and availability may prevent them from receiving an immediate response.   When designing a course as an educator, it is advisable to engage in proactive planning. Ensure that your students have access to a comprehensive course outline that addresses frequent inquiries and their corresponding solutions.

I've found that asking students to identify their preferred method of communication shows you are making an intentional effort to support their communication style. A simple act like this can help strengthen relationships while also helping to address the associated barrier.

Here: Communicate clearly and frequently by providing detailed instructions, regular updates, and accessible resources. Use multiple channels such as emails, announcements, and discussion forums. Address challenges like technology issues promptly and offer alternative solutions. Provide support for time management, self-discipline, and digital literacy. Encourage active participation, feedback, and collaboration among online students. Organize virtual office hours, Q&A sessions, and peer support groups. Foster a sense of community and engagement to overcome barriers and enhance the online learning experience.

Es importante para que la comunicación sea frecuente y clara, el compromiso de los estudiantes, quienes deben entender que tanto en línea como presencial es importante prestar atención y tener disposición para el aprendizaje. Un consejo importante es que los estudiantes deben ser máximo de 30 personas en el aprendizaje en línea, puesto mayor cantidad el compromiso y motivación del grupo cae, y hay abundancia de "alumnos en línea pero no activos", es decir simplemente conectados y sin participar o demostrar interés.

- Lead with empathy:Seek to understand others' contexts and perspectives, even when different from your own. This fosters open and compassionate dialogue. - Prioritize listening over reacting: Slow down, reflect, and respond thoughtfully instead of impulsively. This prevents miscommunication and conflict. - Focus on common ground:Highlight shared values and interests rather than differences. This brings people together. - Lift up diverse voices:Make space for marginalized groups to be heard and shape the conversation. This enhances understanding. - Question assumptions:Examine your own biases. This helps disrupt harmful narratives.

Online students face challenges in their learning journey, but a comprehensive approach includes structured courses, time management tools, support groups, interactive activities, virtual office hours, tech support, accessibility audits, offline access options, motivation strategies, and ongoing orientation and guidance to help them overcome challenges and achieve academic goals.

Communicating well via email with online students takes practice. I use formatting (bullets, headings, links, line breaks) to help make emails be less wordy, easier to digest, and visually appealing.

Provide comprehensive orientation and guidance for online students. Offer tutorials on using online platforms, accessing course materials, and navigating resources. Establish clear expectations, deadlines, and communication protocols. Provide support for time management, study skills, and technology troubleshooting. Offer regular check-ins, feedback, and academic advising. Create a sense of community through virtual events, discussion boards, and peer interactions. Address challenges proactively, offer solutions, and empower students to succeed in the online learning environment.

An example of instructional design, quality assurance, wellness in the online environment and academic advising can be found here. If our professionals collaborate in this effort you will have a course that is intentionally designed ( instructional designer) providing minimum standards for user experience (quality assurance) and instructor presence (faculty’s pedagogical approach) that has a wellness lens(advisors) that nudges learners to stay engaged and want to progress.

Fomentar la interacción y colaboración es importante, sin embargo con la educación en línea también han llegado nuevas excusas como: la conexión de internet esta fallando, no tengo micrófono, actualmente estoy en un medio de transporte, el clima perjudica la conectividad, la plataforma virtual no me funciona, etc. Es importante que la colaboración, disposición y aprendizaje del alumno sea motivada constantemente. Lamentablemente muchas veces (en países como Perú) la motivación más allá del aprendizaje y por ende de habilidades y conocimientos; es simplemente la obtención de un certificado.

Somem ways are: Facilitate group projects and discussions. Use collaborative tools like forums and virtual meetings. Assign peer review activities and teamwork assignments. Encourage active participation through polls and quizzes. Organize virtual study groups and peer mentoring programs. Foster a sense of community with social activities and networking opportunities. Provide incentives for collaboration and teamwork. Offer feedback and recognition for contributions. Create a supportive online environment for sharing ideas and learning together.

From my perspective: Establish clear criteria for achievements and milestones. Recognize accomplishments publicly through announcements or newsletters. Celebrate successes with virtual ceremonies or awards. Provide personalized feedback and praise for exceptional work. Create a digital wall of fame showcasing student achievements. Offer incentives such as certificates or badges for reaching goals. Encourage peer recognition and support for each other's accomplishments. Celebrate progress and growth, not just final outcomes. Foster a positive and encouraging online learning environment that values effort and achievement.

Recognizing and celebrating achievements can help online students overcome challenges and barriers. It involves acknowledging progress and effort, providing personalized feedback, sharing achievements on platforms, creating a supportive community through peer recognition, organizing virtual celebrations, and awarding digital badges or certificates. Addressing social and emotional needs involves building relationships, providing mental health support, and encouraging individuality. By recognizing and celebrating achievements, students can boost motivation, confidence, and a sense of belonging, leading to improved academic performance, higher retention rates, and a more positive online learning experience.

Research has shown that incorporating positive and strengths-based language makes a difference in students' perceptions of advising emails.

Addressing diversity and inclusion in online education is crucial for creating a welcoming and equitable learning environment. This can be achieved by incorporating diverse perspectives into course content, ensuring accessibility for all students, providing cultural sensitivity training for instructors, creating safe spaces for marginalized groups, enforcing anti-discrimination policies, offering tailored support services, promoting respectful communication, celebrating diversity through events, seeking feedback for continuous improvement, and fostering a sense of community and belonging among all students. These efforts help overcome barriers and ensure that every student feels valued, respected, and supported in their learning journey.

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is essential for a successful online learning experience. To achieve this, incorporate diverse perspectives, inclusive language, and accessibility in course materials. Establish a safe and respectful atmosphere, cater to different learning styles, and offer cultural awareness training. Use inclusive assessment methods, bias-free feedback, and accommodations for students with disabilities or unique learning needs. Encourage cross-cultural activities, student-led initiatives, and role models in course materials. Support student-led initiatives and clubs that promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. Feature diverse role models and mentors in course materials and connect to the students.

In my experience, many online students I have worked with did not realize initially that they had access to many resources. In our first appointment together I would make a point to share with them how they can access online tutoring and online writing centers. In subsequent appointments, I would show them how to access the Career and Professional Development Services, Counseling Services, etc. In my opinion, it is important to create different newsletters different newsletters for immersion students and online students if they do not have access to the same resources so they are easily able to access the resources available to them.

Anticipate needs! An online student may only be asking about one issue in their message, but advisors can see the bigger picture and wider implications. For example, a student may simply ask how to drop a class. Instead of simply sending instruction on the technical process of dropping a class, a good online student advisor will ask probing questions to find out why the student wants to drop the class, while simultaneously suggesting other things a student may want to consider before dropping the class (curricular implications, impact on financial aid, etc.). That way a student can make an informed decision.