Smart Approaches for Optimizing Learning and Assessments in Online University Courses

This chapter discusses findings from two initiatives for optimizing the quality of learning and assessments in online university courses at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University: (1) use of mandatory assessment policy of self-paced classes to promote learner engagement and (2) achievement of learning outcomes and fairness of assessments using question and answer discussion forum platform compared with the more commonly used general discussion forum platform. With regards to the first initiative, the author undertook a case study of a policy of mandating assessment of engagement with self-paced classes at HBMSU between 2016 and 2017. Also, the author discusses findings from operational research to address the following questions: (1) How appropriate is the Q&A variant of online discussion forums in facilitating both cooperative and collaborative learning? (2) How may course facilitators equitably grade online learning individual and collaborative learning activities using Q&A discussion forums?

Online Fundraising During a Pandemic

With social distancing guidelines in place, fundraising events have been cancelled or moved online. Once upon a time people would come together in large groups to connect, to support each other, and to make new friends, but unfortunately, COVID-19 has changed the way groups can congregate. In turn, online events and fundraising provides a necessary way to bridge the gap while large in-person events are prohibited in most states. To explore the new role online fundraising will play, the author will look to the benefits of online fundraising, along with the downsides before finally examining best practices to keep in mind when online fundraising.

On the Importance of Written Communication Skills and Student Awareness

Students often experience significant challenges in adopting discipline-specific terminology and conforming to related writing expectations that are embedded in course materials, assignments, and discussions. Further, although written communication skills are desired by employers and broadly recognized as critical to business success, students commonly underestimate the essential role of these skills in their careers. Additional research was needed in terms of what types of resources might improve both student writing and related awareness regarding the value of written communication skills. This chapter summarizes a study that examined an intervention in the form of a supplemental (in-course), self-paced, instructional unit designed to address the above-described challenge.

Resilience and Its Importance to Online Students

Resilience is a key life success trait that can spell the distinction in success or failure of learning experiences for students. The online classroom is characterized by some unique challenges regarding student resilience. These challenges, as well as prospective strategies to overcome them, will be specifically discussed in the areas of technology, communication, and student assessment. Individual focus will be given to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on mandated all-online instruction and its impacts on resilience of students, many of whom were suddenly required to adapt to online learning. Understanding the factors that facilitate development of online student resilience will enable instructors to create maximally effective learning experiences for their students.

Destroying the Textbook Tower

Textbooks are the cornerstone of higher education. College Board stated in a study that the national average for one text is $153 per course, and over the course of a year, the average college student spends more than $1,200 on books and materials. Endless debates have posed the question of how students enrolled in higher education institutions can afford the rising cost of textbooks without it interfering in their education. Open education resources have provided one answer to this debate. The following chapter will discuss three main benefits of OER which are free access, standardization, and equity concerns. Lastly, the chapter will address the challenges pertaining to OER.

Leveling the Educational Playing Field

Many adult learners are looking for an opportunity to finish what they have started and complete a college degree or advance into graduate studies. While the high cost of a college degree is a barrier, there are ways to level the educational playing field through OERs and alternative credit sources. For example, open educational resources (OERs) offer an opportunity to help promote educational equity through free resources. Often, many learners struggle with the high cost of textbooks and other course material needed to be successful in a course. Due to financial constraints, learners are not able to purchase required course materials putting them an academic disadvantage. OERs provide an opportunity to promote student success through free resources. Additionally, OERs are an excellent way to provide supplemental materials for learners needing additional academic assistance. This section provides additional information on open educational Resources (OERS), open degree plans, competency-based education, and prior learning assessment.

A Rapid Switch to Remote E-Learning in the COVID Era

This chapter discusses in a very readable and down-to-earth fashion the struggles and victories that a college professor encountered as he switched from live instruction to remote e-learning in a heartbeat. The chapter also includes 2-3 paragraph unedited impressions and reflections by first generation and international undergraduate students as to their feelings about the switch to remote e-learning. For most of them this was the first time they experienced either synchronous or asynchronous e-learning.

Open by Degrees

This chapter focuses on the history, development, and perceived value of The Open University UK's multidisciplinary ‘open' qualifications at undergraduate and postgraduate level, together with the development of multidisciplinary ‘open box' modules. It addresses the debate around the coherence and acceptance of such personalized programs of study. As well as identifying some of the challenges facing multidisciplinary learners, it describes how open educational resources (OERs) can be used by students to negotiate their own learning experience. The chapter concludes by outlining the benefits of introducing multidisciplinary modules based on OERs and other types of non-formal learning into the curriculum.

Fostering Effective Learning in the Online Classroom

Online learning communities are an important aspect of successful virtual learning experiences. They bring opportunities for peer collaboration and sharing of ideas in a globally based classroom unrestricted by time and space. At the same time, online learning community participants may face some challenges of effective communication and collaboration as compared to traditional face-to-face learning environments. The author discusses issues, concerns, and potential solutions with regard to online learning communities in the areas of discussion participation, group work on assignments, faculty concerns, and miscellaneous issues such as technology access. Strategies for leveraging social media and live chat sessions in fostering online learning community interaction are also shared. Maximizing the potential of online learning communities will facilitate higher-order learning in the technologically-mediated 21st century classroom.

OERs, Capstones, and Faculty Mentors

Purdue University Global offers free online services and personalized mentoring to help learners identify and organize prior work and life experience and skills that could count toward a degree or career growth. This is an excellent option for adult learners looking to enhance existing skills and/or complete a degree. Open courses and open degrees address a growing trend in competency-based education and the need to create affordable, flexible learning options for adult learners. Use of open educational resources (OERs) has reduced the economic barriers allowing individuals to pursue learning to enhance their academic and professional interests. The implications for institutions of higher education lie in establishing ways to improve access and reduce cost for individuals pursing higher education with a design to meet academic and professional needs.