Providing lifelong learners a more responsive and inclusive learning space is crucial for increasing engagement because it sets out clear expectations for using technology for learning.
What are the rules and expectations for participants while engaging in the different modalities (face to face, online, hybrid) of learning? As definitions and boundaries around delivery modes continue to shift and evolve and become more complex, learners face growing uncertainties about the nature of expectations for interacting with their instructor and peers. Lifelong learners are left unsupported before and after committing to formal learning.
What might be done to lessen this uncertainty and clarify learner roles when using technology-supported learning before, in between, and after participation in formal learning?
There already exists a digital divide among learners along with growing uncertainty. Where do learners go to get support and tutoring to learn to use required tools? What software must the learner use for completing and submitting assignments and for preparing slides and making presentations?
Facilitating Engagement for Technology Supported Learning
For learners who are comfortable using technology, what are appropriate uses of the laptop during in-person sessions? How can learners be encouraged to engage with online learners while also being present with peers face-to-face? What would participation and engagement look like?
Facilitating Engagement for the Online Learner
What equipment will be needed for participating in the online sessions? Where do learners get technical support or brush up on skills tutorials on how to use the required technologies? What expectations are there for engagement and participation?
Blend and Fold Student Engagement Delivery Options
One possible option is to deliver sessions via multiple modalities for different learners synchronously. The instructor (facilitator) would deliver the sessions to multiple audiences and engage and interact with the participants in real-time.
Blending engagement options would involve using different technologies for face to face learners, technology-supported learners who are in class and following along in the online space, and those learners who are participating as online learners and not physically present in the classroom.
