The Online Learning Manifesto

Kyra DeLoach

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In my experience in education, online learning was something that did not always enhance my experience. As a graduate student in the Educational Technology program, I have learned how online learning can supplement and enhance education, as well as make it more accessible than it has ever been.

Online learning should be intentional. In my MAET courses, I have seen first-hand how intentionality enhances learning. Outcomes are also important for online learning, but the small details also enhance the experience and make it accessible. Things such as font choice, text size, colors, and resources make resources easy to find and use and accessible. 

Online learning should be accessible. Online courses are much more than the pages of D2L– students need other resources and they may not always be available or accessible for them. The page must be accessed with a computer or a mobile device, which needs to be connected to the internet, which needs power to access. Students need to be able to access these resources to be successful. Not to mention, courses should be accessible to those with disabilities and impairments.

Online learning should be learner-focused. With standards and grades that need to be met, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of meeting goals. Online learning should use tools to support learning and reach learner goals. Students can use these check-ins to challenge themselves and as motivation throughout the semester.

Online learning should support self-assessment. Typically in-person learning will provide students with access to their grades, but they may only see that progress during midterms and finals– it can be hard to make a drastic change after midterms and it is impossible to change your grade after finals. With online learning, you can help learners set goals, and keep track of those goals and their progress throughout the semester– not just when it’s too late.

Online learning should be non-biased. The content in an online course should be conscious of biased content that may affect groups of students. Since face-to-face interaction is not there in most cases, it can be hard to get feedback from students who may be affected by these things. It is important to avoid biased curriculum based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, etc. 

Online learning should be fun. Technology has opened up possibilities for just about anything you can think of. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box of how something has been taught before now that it’s being presented online. Don’t be afraid to send learners into the world to do the things they couldn’t if they were confined in a classroom. Leave assignments open-ended to see what creativity can come from learners' results.

Online learning should be different. Online learning needs to be different than traditional F2F learning. Long gone are the days of reading off PowerPoint slides– doing it in a digital format is no better. Research and try things to make the experience different and embrace the change.

Online learning should be collaborative. Many students may groan at group projects, but collaborative learning is where the best ideas and outlooks come together. The diversity in an online course is limitless as many different learners may have access to the course. This diversity is something that can be used in group learning settings to show different perspectives while learning– take advantage of it!

Online learning should be exploratory. Encourage your learners to find different ways to present information online. Give them opportunities to use different websites, software, and avenues to present information. Using only what they are comfortable with or already know can get repetitive. 

Online learning should be teamwork. Professors and learners should collaborate on the online learning experience. Professors should be visible and accessible for students to ask questions, meet virtually, and feel supported. Online learning can cause a feeling of the lack of ability for learners to meet with their professor ‘after class’. Giving learners multiple modes of communication will make them feel supported.

Online learning should be clear. Expectations and objectives should be clear in an online course. Setting expectations will set learners up for success from the beginning. Questions should be asked if things are not clear.

Online learning should be whatever it needs to be. Nothing is one size fits all– courses, professors, and learners need to adapt to what is needed for that course. Getting feedback on your online courses that can move and shape the direction of the course to tailor it to your learners' needs will help keep the course learner-focused.

Effective online learning should be innovative, collaborative, and exploratory. Technology changes everything we do, especially education. Encouraging collaboration even virtually will enhance the experience. Clear communication and support systems between professors and students are crucial, ensuring that learners feel supported and can easily access help. Online learning should be what it needs to be for learners to be successful.