Online Learning Spaces 2 Engaging Students

When designing an online learning space, it is imperative that you design with your students in mind. In order to do that, you must ask yourself:

1. “Who are my students?”
2. “What are my learning goals and objectives?”
3. “How can I best help them learn?”

Engage Students
Create online learning spaces that are warm, open, friendly, and that promote learning, creation, and collaboration. Design a place that conjures positive emotional states where students enjoy spending time so they will return often. Motivate students! Engage students!

Mystery and Enchantment
When students enter the learning space, take them to a setting that arouses curiosity, promotes interaction, and enhances learning. For example, you could set up a foreign language class as if students were visiting or living in a foreign country and that they were working toward citizenship. The instructor could be the King/Queen/President/Emperor. Include pictures from Google Sightseeing and Google Earth so students can explore the land. Throughout the course students pretend they are in that country and are completely immersed in the target language and culture. Before the course begins send a colorful flyer to welcome students to the class and include an audio greeting with your persona. Update the learning space with audio/videos. Sprinkle Spanish quotes, greetings, and phrases throughout the lessons and learning environment. 

You can also include small doses of mystery and enchantment by having a class mascot such as a homework fairy.

Orientation Activities
Before class begins or at the very beginning, offer students orientation activities so they can familiarize themselves with the learning space. The orientation could include technical requirements, required books and materials, syllabus, special instructions, class guidelines, and study tips. Since some students may be uncomfortable with online learning and the new technology that goes along with it, allow time for them to explore and learn how to utilize the new technology.

Learning Styles
Online learning environments should be designed with flexibility so they can accommodate a wide variety of learning and teaching styles. Display information in various ways to reach different learners. Incorporate text, audio clips, images, and video in your instruction that are tailored to the subject, the learners, and the intended outcomes. The more accommodating you are to different types of learners, the more effective your instruction will be. Also keep in mind that Learning Spaces need to balance the dual and opposite human needs for community and solitude. Because learning happens both in quiet, private moments and in lively, social settings, environments need to offer a spectrum of private and interactive places.