When we think about an online course, we usually think in terms of convenience and flexibility: flexible schedules and no travel are usually the main elements that make us opt for e-learning training.
At the same time, when we talk to our students about this modality, they tell us that the worst thing is the loneliness in the study, the lack of interaction and the distance from the teacher.
Well, dear students, it is about assuming a methodological change in the use of the technology that we have at our disposal to prevent this from happening and to be able to get the same or more out of an online course as a face-to-face one. There are tools that allow the connection between students as a group with or without a teacher , and the relationship with the teacher should not vary, we simply have to be proactive and raise doubts and questions in the virtual classroom...just as we do in the physical classroom or in the hallways.
What I am telling you is about integrating into the environment, just like with any other group belonging to a professional, recreational or sporting activity.
To do this well, we can include in this analysis a starting premise, interest in training, based on two aspects:
Motivation and Need when taking an online course
If we are motivated, we like the subject and we enjoy learning, we have gained an extra benefit. If we also have some pressure to need this training, we will fulfill the premise of total interest in the course. Without this interest, we will probably not take any action or be proactive to get the most out of it.
infographic online course
How can we extend this positioning to the methodological part of an online course? Very simple, the strategy will be to make the correct use of each technical tool of the virtual classroom:
Introduction forums : We are usually too lazy to introduce ourselves to others. Be the first and seek reciprocity from your peers. Keep track of each person's profile and ask them questions based on their experience.
Do some work in the chat : build trust with your classmates,last database talk not only about the course, but also about your hobbies.
Make the most of the trainer's experience, raise real issues in the content forums.
Practical work modules: Always hand in practical work and discuss it with your classmates. Seek project-based learning: Always try to bring training to life, go beyond the theoretical part and 'learn by doing'; do not limit your work to the tutor, seek other opinions.
Networking : Don't limit yourself to your class group, attend offline and streaming events. Post your interests on these events on the Notice Board.
Social networks: The course wall acts as a timeline so you can discuss your daily activities with your classmates. If you prefer, you can use external networks so you don't lose contact with your classmates once the school year has ended. Groups on Facebook or Linkedin are ideal for this purpose.
Make use of resources without interaction: We can usually download the content in non-layout formats, which allow us to work globally with the syllabus in searches or by relating concepts.
Bibliographies, webographies, glossaries and links are not just fillers; they can give you important information that you may not use during the course, but that may generate interest in the future. In this regard, we recommend that you follow professionals of reference in your field of study on social networks.
To sum up: whenever you take an online course, explore all the technical possibilities that the platform offers you and create your own user experience. Adapt your communications to each of them to get the most out of the relationship with the tutor and classmates. Have you taken an online course? How was your experience? At Cursos Femxa we are here to help you. If you are interested in online training, you are in the right place. We have the number one marketplace in Spain for this modality . It is impossible for you not to find the course that interests you!