Designing Online Courses for Diverse Communities of

LearnersJill Hurst-Wahl

@Jill_HWJan. 21, 2014

Why Do I Care?

Are online students different?

• Possible generalities– Older– Working full-time– Have a family– Self-starters– Comfortable w/tech

• Possible concerns– Tough setting aside time– Dependent on fallible tech– Lack of cultural clues– Time zone differences– Need to be present

Two Areas of Consideration• Regional / ethnic cultural

context

• Information in different formats

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Regional / Ethnic Cultural Context

• Easier for students to attend distant program.

• Will not have the same language skills or cultural context.

• Need to teach to a global – not local – audience.

Recommendations: Instruction• Explain. Explain. Explain.• Eliminate colloquial language, jargon & acronyms.• With video and audio, be aware of your pace.– Include text, so students can read and hear.

• Use non-”your region of the world” examples.

Recommendations: Communication

• Ask students to introduce themselves.–Model what you want them to do.–Audio? Video? Photos?

• Create discussions where all can participate.• Check-in with students using other

communication methods.

Information in Different Formats

• Different learning styles• Hearing vs. seeing vs. doing• Use handouts • Allow your materials to be downloaded• Be more than a “talking head”

• Challenge yourself!

Keep in Mind…

Make the course structure obvious

Jill Hurst-WahlDirector, LIS and School Media Programsjahurst@syr.edu(315) 443-1070@Jill_HW