There is one persistent challenge in online learning. It is not a technological problem but a human one. It’s learner loneliness. “The perennial problem with remote learning is the sense of isolation,” said Colin Madland, manager of Online Learning and Instructional Technologies at Trinity Western University (TWU) in BC, Canada. Madland is part of a team at TWU who are helping faculty and students overcome the challenges of isolation and many other aspects of online teaching and learning, at a time when online learning is increasingly relevant.
Madland admits that isolation is a real problem—students feel it and so do faculty. “Remote learning presents that geographic and temporal distance between interactions,” he said. He noted that the length of time that the pandemic has persisted has only added to this burden.
Putting people before technoloy
To counteract feelings of learner loneliness and isolation, the TWU Online Learning team promotes ways of teaching that employ technology while remaining
human-centered.
One member on the team is DeAnn Adams, Director of Faculty Services and Development. She describes the team’s approach succinctly, “Technology doesn’t teach. Teachers teach.” In fact, Adams’ sentiment represents the vision of the entire TWU Online Learning team, who seek to create student-first learning environments, where both learners and professors can thrive.
The ability of the TWU Online Learning team to deliver on its goals was tested and proven earlier this year. In March 2020, it was the this team who helped the University transition entirely to remote learning in a matter of days.
After having successfully navigated the fast-tracked transitions of 2020, the TWU Online Learning team have learned many valuable lessons. Here below are some of their best advice for how educators can help students thrive in remote learning environments.
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About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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