With the increase in various forms of online learning, it is increasingly important to consider the role of student motivation in virtual learning environments. Learning modules that motivate online learners utilize recent research literature as well as the knowledge and talents of many different experts (librarians, instructional designers, faculty, etc.) in collaboration.
Student2Scholar is a suite of 10 fully online, self-paced modules supporting graduate student academic literacies (e.g. scholarly communication; online persona; academic integrity) and research skills (e.g. building research plans; evaluating information; citation and data management). Student2Scholar modules use a range of tools--such as badging, certificates, surveys, and other interactives--to motivate students to complete activities that strengthen their research capabilities. By deepening academic literacies, these modules empower students as they become scholars within their fields.
This highly interactive session features 1) a roundtable discussion by a diverse module development team; 2) a guided exploration of strategies used to motivate and empower learners within a suite of Ontario Online Initiative-funded learning modules; and, 3) a discussion about motivating students in self-paced online learning environments. The primary goal of the session is to share strategies for motivating graduate researchers and novice scholars through the power of interactive online learning.
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Identify factors that motivate students in self-paced online environments;
- Understand research and practices for designing motivating online learning;
- Explore examples of online learning that are designed to learners and enhance their capacities to learn; and,
- Create a shared list of strategies for motivating online learners.
