Module 3

Goal(s)
“Online learning course design often fails to consider the dramatic variability of learners and the special circumstances of the online setting itself” (Novak, 2016). This week, you will explore methods to foster success for ALL students learning online. By the end of the module, participants will understand how to support your students in becoming expert learners online.                                                                                    

Materials  
Read “Qualities of Successful Learners” in UDL in the Cloud by Katie Novak, pages 8-11 
OR listen audio version   
 

Read & View embedded videos on CAST’s website in “Executive Functioning in Online Learning Environments”  

Read Top 5 UDL Tips for Fostering Expert Learners  
OR Listen on Vocaroo 
 

Read eLearn Magazine, “Engaging Learners in Online Environments Utilizing Universal Design for Learning Principles” 
OR Listen on Vocaroo 

 

Optional Materials 

Watch The Dynamics of Learner Diversity in Online Classes”, College of Education at Illinois Panel Discussion 
 

Reflection Prompt on Yellowdig
Use your learning journal to reflect on what stood out to you based on this week’s material.  

 

OR Guided reflection prompts
According to this week’s CAST reading on “Executive Functioning in Online Learning Environments,” “many students who do well in a traditional classroom are often surprised and overwhelmed by the drastic change in their performance when participating in an online course for the first time.” 

​

1. Reflect on your own experiences with online learning and/or teaching and what aspects of the online environment you found challenging or surprising. What did you do to become a more expert teacher or learner online?
    

2. Reflect on the online learning experience of a student or students. How did learning online challenge their executive functioning skills? What did you do to support students to be expert online learners? 

 

You can make an audio recording, write up your reflection, or use images and symbols in your reflection. Length: However long or short feels bests for you. Suggested length: 300-500 words. 

 
UDL in Action

• Redesign a lesson for online learning taking into consideration the tips in the CAST article, “5 Tips for Fostering Expert Learners.” 

• Re-read the “Andrew” example in the article “Executive Functioning in Online Learning Environments” Write a summary/persona of a student (current or fictional). What executive functioning challenges would this student encounter if learning online? How would you design a lesson or course to support this student and others so that they will be successful?