Focus Group
The main issues that online learners tend to have with learning online at UHI were highlighted in this group interview with 6 BACYS learners.
-
The importance of timely and consistent tutor feedback;
-
A dislike of group work;
-
Printing rather than reading on screen;
-
A variety of learning approaches and preferences; and
-
A preference for blended learning over totally online learning or totally face-to-face learning.
Learners vary in the types of learning activities and experiences that they have learned successfully from doing.
The following is the range of criteria for what 24 UHI online learners consider to be why they have learned successfully online:
- Tutor who is prepared and skilled in facilitation online
- Quick tutor support and feedback
- Finding out for oneself and doing own work
- Reviewing transcripts
- Learners who contribute and participate
- Working alone and working with others
Overall, the results of the email interviews suggest to me that there are a number of key factors that can be taken into account in the design of online courses and the implementation that can encourage learning to take place online.
In particular what seems important is for online learners to be engaged in a variety of meaningful activities, either working alone or working with others, and receiving regular and prompt feedback from their tutors.
Telephone
The following is the common criteria for what 9 UHI online learners want in an online course and what is important to them in online learning:
- Tutor support, accessibility & consistency
- Learner support & contact
- Clear & consistent instructions and information
- Accessible and up-to-date information & materials
- Quick & consistent feedback
- Well-run & well-presented site
Overall, the results of the telephone interviews suggest to me that basically what online learners want in an online learning experience is: to feel part of a community, communicating with other people, with easy access to clear and consistent instruction and information, and regular feedback to keep them on track.
Tutor feedback is an important issue for those online learners who like to have continuing guidance and support. They tend to like regular and consistent feedback from their tutors, and some of them would like it immediately if at all possible. In many cases, it seems to me that what they are wanting is reassurance that they are doing the right thing and are on the right track as this kind of feedback improves their confidence and motivation.
