Attributes of successful online learners and educators
During the university shutdown, many of the in-person classes switched
to online platforms, while instructors and students were both undergoing
a steep adjustment curve. It is well-known that students have different
learning styles which should be taken into account by instructors
(Zapalska & Brozik, 2006). This is even more important in the online
setting where there is limited direct teacher-student interactions
(Wang, Hinn, & Kanfer, 2001; Zapalska & Brozik, 2006). Zapalska and
Brozik(Zapalska & Brozik, 2006) provide useful tools including
presenting the course material in multiple formats, creating a
project-based collaborative class environment, and encouraging small
group discussion using breakout rooms on zoom (Zapalska & Brozik,
2006).
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has
provided specific recommendations on maximising the effect of remote
learning (Snelling & Fingal, 2020). These suggestions emphasize equity
and include educating the professors for online teaching, rapid online
feedback about the quality of online classes and communicating
expectations clearly with students, and providing students-centred
learning and considering different learning styles (Morgan, 2020;
Snelling & Fingal, 2020). ISTE defines characteristics as requirements
for being a successful online learner and teacher. A successful online
learner is 1) an empowered learner who can use multiple available
technologies to their advantage, 2) a digital citizen fully aware of
their digital rights and responsibilities, 3) a knowledge constructor
capable of constructing an effective learning experience, 4) an
innovative designer who can weave creativity in the use of technology
platforms, 5) a computational thinker cultivating the analytical skills,
6) a creative online communicator, and finally 7) a global collaborator
allowing cross-cultural interactions (Education, 2016). Similar
characteristics have been proposed for successful online educators
including being 1) a learner to constantly improving their technology
skills, 2) a leader to actively improve the online learning experience,
3) a citizen encouraging responsible participation in the digital world
by the students, 4) a collaborator with students and other educators, 5)
a designer to create an authentic learning experience, 6) a facilitator
supporting students learning endeavours, and finally 9) an analyst using
data-driven approaches to education (Education, 2017).