Want Authenticity in Asynchronous Online Classes? Create Authentic Relationships First. A How To.
Concurrent Session 3
Brief Abstract
Learn about NOVAOnline's guiding principles for training faculty to develop authentic relationships with students and be exposed to 5 quick, practical tricks for faculty to help establish and keep a genuine relationship that shows students that they are cared for, supported, and a vital part of the learning community.
Presenters
Extended Abstract
Asynchronous online classes provide students an option to learn and gain credits from almost anywhere and on their own weekly schedules. For some students, these classes serve as a gateway to changing the trajectory their family tree. These classes, however, best benefit disciplined students and can isolate students trying to make a transition, especially First time Freshmen (FTF) and those already intimidated by technology. Unfortunately the full leveraging of asynchronous online classes to best support the most at-risk students is not typically appreciated. These classes can emphasize the feeling of being alone, out of place, and unwelcome – a possible doubling of feelings already experienced by a minority student who questions if they belong.
As experienced faculty members who train and help develop asynchronous teaching faculty, our institutions Quality Assurance Specialists emphasize facilitating the student’s sense of belonging. Knowing that students want to be part of something real and authentic, we are honing our faculty onboarding to focus on facilitating the sense of belonging for students through organic and authentic interactions. Our intentional support of faculty new to the asynchronous model dispels several myths but also moves from theories to practices.
Through better communication and faculty training/support, we present and facilitate the culture of care that may be much harder for online students to feel. We work to facilitate authentic interactions, the foundation of authentic relationships. Through developing such relationships, faculty can help progress beyond the former expectation of teaching the content to the present/future expectation of teaching the student. Simply put, establishing such relationships enables faculty to seamlessly achieve regular and substantial interaction by being an active part of the online learning community they helped create.
Moving from theory to practice, the Quality Assurance Team (QA) provides intentional support to asynchronous teaching faculty. Participants in this session will not only learn about the guiding principles that our QA uses in training faculty to develop authentic relationships with students but also be exposed to 5 quick, practical tricks for faculty to help establish and keep a genuine relationship that shows students that they are cared for, supported, and a vital part of the learning community. Participants will then workshop implementation strategies for supporting their school’s faculty in similar ways. These strategies will be informed by the understanding that every school is different both demographically and culturally.
This session could be subtitled: The often overlooked softskills of taking care of online students with humanity.