Knowing what supports learning for at risk students can make a difference in student success. Understanding the medium can help instructors accomplish their learning goals. With reference to a model of motivation used in university and corporate learning enviroments, Dr. Menager-Beeley will provide a cognitive tool kit that can be applied to online learning environments to enhance student learning.
Because instruction at a distance is a “cold” medium, monitoring student performance is very important to enhance student commitment and prevent procrastination. By providing more direction and support at the earlier stages of learning and then gradually making learners more independent there is a greater chance of success. Frequent feedback and accountability is important to developing efficacy and commitment in students. Research has shown that students are more responsive to peer tutors and show marked improvement with peer intervention and remediation early in the course. Elaborations and other cognitive tools should be used to increase learning.