Keeping Online Learning Human in the Age of AI

Cathleen Cuppett, Dean of Digital Learning, Coker University

There are 3 experiences that have most shaped my approach to leading digital learning initiatives at Coker University. The first is teaching face-to-face for 20+ years and learning to incorporate new technologies in that space in order to increase student engagement and provide other modalities through which to assess learning. The second is obtaining an M.Ed. in Educational Technology about 10 years ago through a fully-online program. Experiencing online teaching as a student - through both positive and negative situations - helped frame my understanding of effective online teaching. Lastly, our current president introduced our institution to Quality Matters. Going through QM’s rubric training, peer reviewer training, and facilitator training has increased my understanding of best online practices.

The Human Edge in Online Learning

In terms of preparing and developing courses, a core skill would be a willingness to continuously learn. Continuous learning is unavoidable due to the rate of technological change, as well as the differences in student cohorts. A second core skill would be the willingness and ability to search for answers independently. Even when formal training on technology or pedagogy is provided, no formal training will address every single item or use case. A third core skill is the willingness to try something new while accepting that it won’t be perfect the first time. That skill leads to another skill, which is the willingness to engage in iterative improvement and adaptation.

“Students need to know and feel that there is a human being facilitating the course.”

None of those skills, however, will produce an effective environment unless the instructor’s presence is felt in an online course. Instructors need to consciously humanize their courses by inserting their presence at every opportunity. Students need to know and feel that there is a human being facilitating the course. Being present does not mean that instructors must deliver a course synchronously, although providing some opportunities for synchronous interaction could be beneficial. Short videos - used as overviews, module introductions, assignment explanations, etc. - allow students to see and hear the person behind the LMS. Audio feedback on assignments could be another good strategy. And of course, the baseline is simply responding in a timely manner to student communications as well as promptly evaluating assignments and providing substantive feedback.

Balancing Technology Adoption with Strong Intention

Choose digital tools with intention. Keep the learning outcomes, student engagement, and cognitive load in mind. Ask yourself: 1) Does this tool support the learning outcome(s)? 2) Will this tool increase student engagement? 3) Will learning how to use this tool put too much strain on cognitive load and therefore negate its effectiveness?

Make steady, incremental change. Don’t try to revise everything at once.

Key Challenges Redefining Online Learning Leadership

The most obvious key challenge is AI which itself is constantly changing. AI is requiring faculty to learn, to redesign, and “to build the plane while flying.” Another key challenge, really an opportunity, is participating in online course-sharing partnerships to increase educational opportunities and to support enrollment stability and growth, particularly at smaller institutions. Another challenge or opportunity is the adoption of Open Educational Resources. We must consider using OER to make education more affordable while balancing student needs with faculty expertise and freedom.

Practical Advice for Building a Career in Digital Education

If you haven’t been an online student yourself, take an online class or two or three. Follow publications and organizations that discuss national trends and point you to resources. Read. Listen to relevant podcasts. Subscribe to applicable listservs. Enroll in training. Keep learning, trying new things, and improving.

Cognitive

AI

Educational Technology