Tag: Online Education

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How Your Academic Coach Can Improve Student Outcomes

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date April 21, 2023
No Comments on How Your Academic Coach Can Improve Student Outcomes

Higher education is a great opportunity. A positive higher education experience sets students up for a successful postgraduate experience, and studies routinely show that college graduates are more likely to be successful in terms of finance, mental health, and life satisfaction.

However, not every student attending a class is automatically guaranteed success. Struggling students are not rare. A host of issues can negatively impact student outcomes. Everything from poor secondary education to trouble at home. Researchers have poured over how to improve student outcomes, and there is a lot of data about how to best intervene with a struggling student. Unfortunately, the larger, macro-cosmic forces like access to education and student background won’t be solved overnight.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t leverage Academic Coaches, Virtual Teaching Assistants, or virtual TAs to improve student outcomes in your online, asynchronous classroom! While various factors impact student outcomes, focusing on what you can control is a great way to improve the lives of your students. The good news is that there is a proven way to help! Academic Coaches are a great way to plan your online classes for success and create a solid learning environment!

Read on to Learn More About How Academic Coaches Can Improve Student Outcomes

Academic Coach Benefit 1: Saving You Time

Let’s face it; faculty members have busy schedules and must juggle multiple competing priorities. This is just a fact of life, and most faculty members have learned to accept the fast pace of teaching. However, these intense schedules can still have negative consequences for students. When moving from task to task as a faculty member, you can’t stop and focus on students who might need additional help or referral to other resources at the university. Using an Academic Coach to free up more routine maintenance tasks allows you actually to dive deeper into student outcomes.

Who needs more attention? Who isn’t getting challenged by the coursework? Who isn’t living up to their potential? Without an academic coach, important questions like this would be lost amid all of the hustle and bustle of teaching. However, by utilizing an academic coach, you are able to set aside time and focus on improving student outcomes, not just completing tasks.

Academic Coach Benefit 2: Personalization

Your academic coach will likely spend more time on day-to-day tasks. They often can monitor discussion threads and grade assignments per a detailed rubric. As mentioned previously, this helps free up a good deal of time for you as a faculty member. However, an Academic Coach may also provide insight into how each student is faring. After all, the Academic Coach will see their coursework and interact with them. This isn’t to say that faculty members are incapable of personalization.

Academic Coach Benefit 4: Identifying Areas For Improvement

A student who needs additional help or practice doesn’t just walk into class with a sticker on their back announcing it. A good faculty member can often spot the warning signs of a student struggling, but it is often easier said than done, especially in the online environment and if the class has a larger enrollment. An Academic Coach or Virtual TA usually handles the more immediate student coursework. This could vary from class to class depending on each faculty’s preference, but grading assignments per the rubrics, moderating online discussion threads as directed by the faculty, and responding to student questions are all common Virtual TA questions. These are also exactly the activities where potential areas for improvement first present themselves. A seasoned faculty member might notice that any given student needs more attention or practice after a few lectures or an exam. A virtual TA can probably tell within one or two assignments if one student needs extra help. And once you have identified areas for improvement, you can…

Academic Coach Benefit 5: Early Intervention

Knowing which students are lagging behind or at risk is helpful, but it can be difficult with a full course load to address as a faculty member. Virtual TAs and academic coaches don’t just give faculty members time back. The Academic Coach can report to the faculty any potential at-risk students during the weekly conference calls between the faculty and Academic Coaches. This allows the faculty to get directly involved with the students, and identify potential interventions for the student. This creates the team dynamic of teaching an online course; instead of the faculty having to be the sole support for students within the online course, there is an additional layer of support from the Academic Coach.

Improve Student Outcomes With Instructional Connections

Your students may benefit greatly from an Academic Coach that can provide them with an additional layer of support within your online, asynchronous courses. Turn to Instructional Connections for your our Academic Coach Model.

All of our Academic Coaches are…

Master’s Degree prepared in Their Field/Subject Area
Fully Vetted and Background Checked
Entirely Remote, located across the US
A Key Source of Term-Long Support for the assigned course

Fill Out the Contact Form Below to Get in Touch Today!

Tags academic coach, Online Education

Event

July 23-26, 2023: DLA’s Annual Conference in Jekyll Island, GA

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date April 17, 2023
No Comments on July 23-26, 2023: DLA’s Annual Conference in Jekyll Island, GA

July 23-26, 2023, DLA2023 will be held at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, in Jekyll Island, Georgia. The DLA symposiums are specifically designed for those involved or interested in the administration, management, planning, and evaluation of distance learning programs.

The Distance Learning Administration Conference is sponsored by the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration and The University of West Georgia.

Please make sure to follow us on Twitter @iConnectNA

Tags academic coach, Digital Learning, distance learning, E-Learning, HigherEd, Online Education, online teaching, online teaching assistant

Research

IC Research Grant Abstracts 2023

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date April 17, 2023

IC Research Abstracts 042023

Tags academic coach, E-Learning, HigherEd, Online Education, online teaching, online teaching assistant, research

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Everything Virtual Teaching Assistants and Faculty Need To Know About Online Students

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date March 24, 2023
No Comments on Everything Virtual Teaching Assistants and Faculty Need To Know About Online Students

By 2027, the number of online learning users is expected to reach 57 million. As schools transition to online education, educators must understand the type of students they will encounter. Unlike traditional classrooms, virtual classrooms are filled with learners from various backgrounds with different life experiences, academic levels, and technological abilities.

If you are a virtual teaching assistant, you must answer questions, provide feedback, and offer guidance on coursework. Your personalized approach can help students feel more connected to the course and motivated to succeed.

Let’s explore some key considerations that virtual teaching assistants and faculty should consider when dealing with online students.

Characteristics of Online Students

Self-Motivated and Disciplined

They are committed to their academic goals and can stay focused on their studies without external supervision. They also take responsibility for their own learning and proactively seek help when needed.

Strong Time Management Skills

Online students need to be able to manage their time effectively, as they often juggle multiple responsibilities. They need to be able to prioritize their studies, meet deadlines, and allocate time for other personal and professional commitments. Successful online students can create and stick to a schedule that works for them.

Tech Savvy

Students can easily navigate online learning platforms, use various digital tools and resources, and communicate effectively through digital channels such as email, video conferencing, and discussion forums.

Challenges Faced by Students in Online Learning

Technical Difficulties

Students may face issues such as slow internet connectivity, computer problems, and software glitches. Technical difficulties can disrupt their studies and cause them to fall behind on coursework.

Tight Schedule

Online students often manage multiple responsibilities such as work, family, and social commitments. Poor time management can lead to missed deadlines, incomplete assignments, and poor grades.

Feelings of Isolation

Online students may feel isolated and disconnected from their peers and instructors. They may miss the social interaction and support that comes with traditional classroom learning.

Balancing Personal and Academic Responsibilities

Students may feel overwhelmed by the demands of their coursework and personal lives.

Strategies for Engaging Your Online Class

Set Clear Expectations and Instructions

Online students need clear expectations to stay on track and avoid confusion. As an instructor, you can provide clear instructions and expectations for assignments, quizzes, and exams.

Use Interactive Technology Tools

Consider using interactive videos, virtual whiteboards, and online quizzes to keep students engaged and motivated.

Encourage Collaboration and Discussion

Take advantage of online discussion forums or group projects so they can stay engaged and motivated throughout the course.

Improve Online Education With Instructional Connections

Virtual teaching assistants and faculty must foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment to create a successful learning experience for all students. At Instructional Connections, we serve more than 50,000 students at over 50 universities, adapting to various types of educators and online students.

Our 14 years of industry experience have enabled us to create a diverse approach for various students who chose online education over in-person classes. To learn more about our diversified approach and virtual assistant teaching model, send us a message or call us at 888-221-2418.

Tags Online Education, online learning

Blog

5 Online Learning Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date February 17, 2023
No Comments on 5 Online Learning Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Despite the popularity of online learning, it’s not for everyone. While online learning offers flexibility, convenience, and access to a broader range of courses, it also presents challenges for virtual teaching assistants, professors, and students. Let’s explore the everyday challenges of online learning and strategies to overcome them.

Online Learning Challenges Experienced by Students

1. Technical Difficulties

It’s common for students to experience frequent technical issues during online learning. These technical issues can range from poor internet connection to malfunctioning hardware or software, which can cause delays and disruptions that make it difficult for students to follow the lesson plan and complete their assignments on time.

One strategy to manage technical difficulties is ensuring students have access to reliable technology, including a good internet connection, up-to-date hardware and software, and adequate technical support. It is also helpful for faculty to provide professors and students with clear guidelines and resources for troubleshooting technical issues.

2. Time Management and Staying Motivated

Online learning requires self-discipline and time management skills. Without the structure of a physical classroom, it can be challenging for students to stay on track and avoid procrastination. Aside from that, the lack of face-to-face interaction with professors and peers can lead to feelings of isolation and demotivation.

To help improve time management, professors should provide students with a clear schedule and expectations for coursework and assignments. Professors can also encourage students to create their own daily or weekly schedule that includes time for coursework, assignments, and other responsibilities. Another option is to establish regular check-ins to support and give students accountability.

To stay motivated in online learning, professors and students should set goals, establish a daily routine, stay connected with peers, take regular breaks, and celebrate achievements. These strategies provide direction, structure, support, and positivity to help overcome the challenges of virtual education and stay engaged throughout the learning process.

3. Students Being Left Behind

Distance learning can also pose a challenge for students who struggle to keep up with the course pace, particularly those with learning disabilities or diverse learning styles. In-person support from professors isn’t always available in online courses, which further accentuates these challenges.

To avoid students getting left behind, professors can provide additional resources and support for struggling students. This can include tutoring services, online resources, or small group sessions.

4. Distractions Everywhere

Many distractions can interfere with studying and learning. Social media, email, and other online platforms can quickly distract students from their coursework and make it challenging to stay focused.

Professors should set clear guidelines for online behavior during class to overcome distractions – like turning off devices and avoiding certain websites. Encouraging a dedicated study area and using productivity tools like apps or browser extensions can also aid their focus.

5. Socializing With Peers

The lack of face-to-face interaction with professors and peers can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which tends to happen with students who thrive on social interaction.

Professors should facilitate opportunities for students to collaborate and connect with peers, including online forums or discussion groups, virtual study groups, and group assignments. Regular office hours, social activities, and community-building exercises can foster these connections.

Simplifying Online Learning With Instructional Connections

Online learning challenges are common among students. By understanding the challenges and implementing strategies to overcome them, professors and students can successfully navigate online learning environments.

At Instructional Connections, we understand these challenges and do our best to simplify the online learning experience. We offer a unique Academic Coaching Model that provides universities with student-centric and faculty-centric support. Our services are designed to address the needs of universities facing the 21st-century demand for online degree programs and courses.

Let us help you overcome these challenges. Call us at 888-221-2418 or contact us through our website.

Tags online academic coach, Online Education, online learning

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Common Problems Students Face in Online Learning

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date January 27, 2023
No Comments on Common Problems Students Face in Online Learning

Distance learning is not a new concept. However, as it has become an increasingly popular teaching method over the years, many issues in the virtual classroom have come to light. Adapting to a new teaching method can significantly impact the way in which students learn, and given that many students are still opting to take remote classes, it’s important that we continue to address the issues that impede student development.

In this article, we examine some obstacles that make online learning difficult and offer solutions to solve them faster.

Online Learning Issues and Possible Solutions

Professors and their virtual teaching assistants can help students smoothly transition from in-person to virtual courses if they consider the following challenges.

Distractions

Since students are not in an actual classroom, distractions are unavoidable. Additionally, students don’t typically have the same level of privacy they had at university because they often share the house with the rest of their family, so concentrating can become difficult.

The best solution to this problem is to create a schedule with family members. Students should let their families know when they need a quiet study room to follow the class lecture in peace.

Low Motivation

People are generally very active and sociable and need communication with colleagues to remain productive. Therefore, isolation in a virtual classroom affects motivation, which may result in procrastination.

To overcome this issue, the best solution is for professors or virtual teaching assistants to continue creating schedules or to-do lists that encourage students to keep going and not abandon the work. Also, it is necessary to carve out time for students to keep in touch with their colleagues. Hosting workshops or study meetings is a great way to encourage students to collaborate on their homework.

Technical Problems

When online learning began increasing in popularity, connecting to Zoom or Google Meetings proved challenging, as these platforms were underdeveloped for such a massive shift. Students and professors faced various technical issues and problems that often prolonged class time.

Besides always looking for trustworthy platforms and ensuring students have a reliable internet connection, there isn’t much that can be done regarding technical issues. However, when these issues arise, it’s important for students to contact their professors immediately to ensure they can follow the lecture as seamlessly as possible.

Poor Interaction = Boredom

Upon transitioning from an actual classroom to a virtual one, students often report feeling bored or less interested in the subject due to decreased interaction with professors and peers. Additionally, students are typically required to complete their assignments independently instead of collaboratively in a virtual environment, further contributing to poor peer interaction.

Although professors always remain available for their students, the motivation for students to keep up with deadlines slowly decreases over time, and the syllabus becomes difficult to follow. One solution to this problem is for students to initiate open discussions with their peers to share ideas and offer constructive feedback on assignments.

Teaching Assistants Help Overcome Remote Learning Obstacles

Teaching assistants have slowly become integral to any classroom, especially virtual ones. At Instructional Connections, we have helped over 50,000 students in more than 50 universities meet their learning goals online and gain the knowledge to develop their studies further.

To learn more about what our team can do for you, feel free to reach out to us – we’re always happy to help!

Tags Online Education, online learning

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The Biggest Challenges of Online Teaching

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date December 23, 2022
No Comments on The Biggest Challenges of Online Teaching

As distance learning has become more common, teachers and students have had to adapt to follow the syllabus.

When distance learning was introduced on a more regular basis, many students felt demotivated, while teachers reported that they were falling behind academically. Additionally, students became less responsible and less active during lectures.

And while online teaching holds its unique set of challenges, the educational system as a whole must address these challenges to resume the mission of creating competent academic citizens. Here are some of the biggest obstacles facing online teaching today and how to overcome them.

The Critical Challenges

Remote and face-to-face teaching are very different methods of lecturing the same material. However, as teaching methods have shifted over the years, many students worldwide have chosen to continue their studies online. As such, teachers have had to adapt to adequately connect with their students online.

Passive Classrooms

Looking at a PowerPoint presentation and listening to the teacher’s lecture for 45-50 minutes, followed by homework assignment instructions for the next day, leads to passive students. Hence, their academic development stagnates.

To thoroughly soak in the new material, students need more interaction. Teachers must revise their plans for the day and find exciting ways to engage students to practice what they’ve learned.

Remote Peer Collaborations

Peer collaboration is a proven method for learning. However, achieving this in a remote classroom can be challenging.

It can be difficult to facilitate peer collaboration in a remote setting, and oftentimes teachers are unsure how to do so. However, the potential benefits of peer collaboration – even when done remotely – make this learning method one that teachers should focus on.

In a remote classroom, teachers can help foster collaboration by creating student groups ahead of time, assigning different roles to each student, setting goals and making expectations clear, and prompting students to share their thoughts and opinions virtually with their classmates.

Students must engage with the topic to complete the assignment and better communicate with their peers.

Using the Right Teaching Platform and Tools

More than 700 colleges in the US registered on Zoom in 2020, but connection issues often disrupted the lectures.

Although these disconnections were primarily short, they greatly distracted students. Therefore, reliable platforms that won’t interrupt the class with a glitch are imperative. Moreover, teachers should also consider using educational tools to engage students in the lecture.

Conducting Effective Examination

One of the most serious challenges universities face with online teaching is choosing the proper examination tactic. If not conducted effectively, universities create underskilled academic individuals in the future.

Each subject has specific skills students should acquire during the course. To assess students’ performance to the best abilities, universities have a few open options.

Open-book exams – This assessment focuses solely on students’ critical thinking, analysis, and reflection on the material. In such exams, students receive a specific subject matter they must complete in a given time, but they can use notes and books to support their statements.
Proctored Exams – A proctored exam is a monitored examination. An instructor or an authorized invigilator will monitor the student during the test. The proctor ensures that the exam’s norms and regulations are followed.

Get More Instructional Strategies from Instructional Connections

Remote learning has slowly become the norm in the educational systems, and colleges and universities need more support to conduct online classes successfully. However, with the right partner, these challenges become a thing of the past.

At Instructional Connections, we have identified these problems and have helped over 50 universities to overcome them. If your board struggles with issues related to remote learning, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re happy to help!

Tags Online Education, online learning, online teaching

Blog

Tips for Engaging Students in Online Learning

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date October 21, 2022
No Comments on Tips for Engaging Students in Online Learning

Engaging students is hard enough in the physical classroom, but the tactics you use in person might work just as well online. And surprisingly, incorporating tried and tested working methods to engage students in learning isn’t as hard as it seems.

Like online courses, blended teaching, or what we now call hybrid learning, isn’t anything new — most importantly, it isn’t going away. In fact, all signs point to it being the future of learning. But for it to be as effective as in-person courses, it’s essential to ensure your students are soaking in the material.

Keep reading to learn Instructional Connections’ top tips for keeping students engaged in your university’s courses and how a virtual teaching assistant can help!

Help Students Create a Routine

To engage students from the get-go, give them some ideas to set a routine for their asynchronous work time. One example of this would be adding a post to the discussion board before starting their work for the class. This can be as simple as discussing what they did the previous weekend or what they’re looking forward to learning on the syllabus.

These simple routines at the beginning of each class can help students make natural connections with one another (and their professor) and open up — especially in an asynchronous setting.

If you have a virtual teaching assistant in your classroom, this is a perfect opportunity to help them get involved and connected to your students. If students feel comfortable with your virtual TA, they will also feel comfortable approaching a professor.

Use Interactive Content & Materials

This should probably go without saying, but it’s imperative to show students more than just a lecture packed with facts and instructions — all students learn differently. Professors should consider preparing or finding materials on certain topics that are easy to digest or designed to be more engaging. This will help lessons be more interactive and will naturally encourage student participation.

Try using videos or varied media in your online or hybrid course — they’ve proven valuable and engaging in education.

For both synchronous and asynchronous online learning, you can use a digital whiteboard to present information and solve problems with your students, show pictures and charts, and play clips, podcasts, and YouTube videos.

The internet is your friend! With the rise of virtual learning and a surplus of online materials, you can find interactive videos, quizzes, and other assets that supplement your lesson material.

Incorporating a virtual teaching assistant into the classroom can help open up time for professors. Some professors may have their virtual TAs facilitate asynchronous discussions and other tasks.

Utilize Class Forums or Discussion Boards

Some students are more comfortable typing out their thoughts than sharing them in a recorded video format in class.

An online discussion space is an excellent opportunity for everyone to participate, give their opinion, become familiar with other students’ views, and learn proper etiquette for professional discussions. This learning activity also allows students to think about the question and form their thoughts and opinions at their own pace. Sometimes, the pressure of immediately answering a question in class or the anxiety of recording a video response causes students to freeze and have trouble giving their highest quality answers.

Virtual TAs have many roles in the classroom, but the program or professor’s needs always determine these roles. While some professors may have their Virtual TA monitor and respond to student questions and forum responses, some may want to do this independently to connect with their students.

Virtual Teaching Assistants for Every University

At Instructional Connections, we make life easier for your professors. By providing support only where it’s needed, our virtual TAs allow your faculty members of record to focus on class engagement, course delivery, and student outcomes.

Learn more about our virtual teaching assistants and see how they can work for your university program.

Tags Online Education, online learning

Event

March 21-23, 2023: TxDLA Annual Conference

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date October 5, 2022

March 20-23, 2023, Texas Digital Learning Association‘s Annual Conference (in person) in Galveston, TX.

Instructional Connections is a sponsor of this conference. Additionally, we are presenters.

Tags academic coach, Digital Learning, E-Learning, HigherEd, online academic coach, Online Education, online teaching, online teaching assistant, TxDLA

Blog

The Elements of a Solid Distance Learning Model

Post author By Instructional Connections
Post date June 23, 2022
No Comments on The Elements of a Solid Distance Learning Model

With at least 2,500 colleges already offering online programs, it’s no secret that distance learning has become an increasingly integral part of higher education. Instructors and academic coaches have had to work hard to develop a good model for teaching in this environment. But it’s not easy.

There are many different factors that need to be considered when developing an effective distance learning model. This article will discuss some of the vital elements of a solid distance learning model.

Constant Email Communication

It’s important for instructors, faculty, and teaching assistants to always open their email channels. Communication is an integral part of distance learning, and many interactions happen through email.

If instructors and faculty members are not responsive to emails, it can create a disconnection between them and their students. It’s recommended to answer emails from students within 24 hours, even if it’s only to stay: “I’ll have to research that and get back to you.”

For coursework that spans a holiday, educators should still try to be available for urgent inquiries from their students. However, high holidays like Christmas or Yom Kippur need balance and a break to be honored. In cases like this, course-related correspondences might be temporarily suspended, but educators should still try to check their emails at least once daily.

It’s also essential for educators to have someone ready to answer on their behalf if they cannot respond within a 24-hour window. Teaching assistants and academic coaches are generally expected to take over answering duties if the educator is not able to do so.

Utilizing Other Means of Communication

While email is generally considered the primary way for learners to get in touch with their teachers or professors, it’s by no means the only method of communication that can be used.

At the discretion of the school, phone calls, online chats or messengers through the university’s website, Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), video conferences, and web meetings are popular ways for educators to connect with their students in a distance learning environment.

It’s essential to learn and become adept with these communication channels to have another option to connect with students in the most effective way possible.

Addressing Technology Glitches and Downtimes

Since the distance learning model heavily relies on technology to work, it’s wise for educators and academic coaches to be familiar with many common glitches.

Educators are expected to have at least basic troubleshooting knowledge on some of the most common issues distance learning programs face. These include:

Internet connection problems
Audio and video issues with webcams or microphones
Login issues with the learning management system (LMS)
Problems accessing or downloading course materials

When any of these happen, it’s important to be patient and have a backup plan ready. For instance, if there’s an issue with the LMS, educators can still send course materials to their students through email.

When responding to students affected by issues and downtimes, having a calm demeanor can help build confidence while waiting for a repair.

It’s also vital that educators and academic coaches report any instances of errors or downtime related to the LMS. While issues with learning management systems should be rare, notifying the administration about them can help prevent similar problems from happening in the future.

Addressing Student Problems

When an issue emerges with or from a student, educators are expected to address them as soon as possible. This is especially true for students who are worried or upset about a specific issue.

Addressing the issue within a 24-hour window is ideal, though some problems will require more time to resolve. If that’s the case, assure the student through email that their concern is currently being addressed and thank them for writing about the issue.

Often, students who have difficulty with the coursework or feel lost during a distance learning program simply struggle to keep up with the pace. That’s why educators need to be as understanding and helpful as possible when addressing student problems.

Keep These Elements in Mind

The elements of an effective distance-learning model are clear and concise communication, utilization of multiple communication channels, as well as addressing technology glitches and student problems well.

When educators and academic coaches keep these elements in mind, they can build a strong foundation for their distance learning program that will benefit them and their students.

Instructional Connections specializes in helping colleges and universities optimize their online learning programs by providing online academic coaches. Contact us today, and our team will be happy to discuss how we can help your institution.

Tags distance learning, Online Education, online learning

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