Virtual Homeroom.
Using the Community of Inquiry framework to assist adult students complete courses for graduation in the online environment, can help provide a unifying feature to help students navigate and organize their coursework. A virtual homeroom serves as a platform to link cognitive, social and teaching presences to create a space where students see their courses not in isolation but as part of a whole program.
Below is an example of how a virtual homeroom can be designed. This specific one uses the Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle , an open-source learning platform. Check with your specific school district regarding accessibility to specific LMS licenses.
Below is an example of how a virtual homeroom can be designed. This specific one uses the Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle , an open-source learning platform. Check with your specific school district regarding accessibility to specific LMS licenses.
Welcome:
The overview gives an explanation of the course purpose for students. Intentions are clearly described in the welcome section. Students excitedly sign-up for courses but because of their already busy schedules, they can get overwhelmed and loose track of their goal. The homeroom is designed as a required check-in to keep students active in their courses. It also provides information to teachers to help encourage students to stay motivated with coursework. This course serves as a two way introduction for teachers to share a little bit about themselves (teaching presence); as well as have students provide teachers with relevant life information that can help them determine which courses to select to meet graduation requirements. To support face-to-face connections, it is good to know where a student is located. Students should also be clear on whether they are meeting courses to graduate or are upgrading courses for a specific post-secondary school program. |
Graduation Plans:
It can be difficult to determine what courses should be included in a grad plan for students when little to no background information is provided upon registration. Students should be clear as to what program they should complete and know the difference between an Adult Dogwood Diploma (20 credits) and a Regular Dogwood Diploma (80 credits). The grad plan submission is a spot to keep track of transcripts, grad plan, progress and communications between the teacher and student. (Cognitive and Teaching Presences). Applying for graduation puts the onus on the student to determine when they think their coursework is complete. It also serves as a good tracking measure for teachers. |
HOW TO Resources:
Learning online might be a new experience for adult students. In order to best support students' cognitive needs, developing soft skills will help build confidence and support engagement and motivation with coursework. Students can watch HOW TO videos to build their technological skill set and apply them to coursework as well as in their everyday lives (Cognitive presence). HOW TO videos are available for viewing under the 'Student' resource section of this website. |
Connect Activities:
To build a social element to learning online, students are encouraged to interact with classmates. Discussions are meant to be a quick and engaging "food for thought" activity to build connections and lessen transactional distance (Anderson, 2008; Gunawardena & McIsaac, 2004; Moore, 1997) * See references in the Overview Information section - Academic research paper link for reference citation. * Engagement increases students' motivation for learning and follow through. Social presence in the video activities illustrates to students that they are not learning alone and gives them the opportunity to connect with other adult learners rather than school-aged students. Awarding credit for discussion participation in other courses, honours students' time and provides context for collaborative learning. Videos for discussion can be found at https://www.passiton.com/. In the discussion survey, students reflect on their personal learning. See video below for an audio overview: |
Monthly Check-in Activity:
Students are expected to complete the monthly check-in quiz to give the teacher an idea about their progress (or not). The activity is a good reminder for teachers and students alike to encourage progress in coursework for a timely completion. Participation in Progress Check-in's is counted towards credit in Planning 12 or Career Life Education. See video below for a tour: |