This course will utilize a “Critical Friends” approach to learning. Throughout the class, we will be assigned 1-2 critical friends and we will provide each other feedback on assignments throughout the course.
To begin our experience as a critical friend, we were to complete the below activities.
Our initial shared work to our critical friend was to be a mock email where we placed ourselves as a faculty member working with an undergraduate or graduate college student in an online program.
The student has identified to us that they have no motivation to continue in the program and want to drop out. Our email response to them was to include:
- a minimum of two paragraphs of thoughtful content.
- solid suggestions for increasing motivation in an online environment.
- how technology can be used to increase motivation and engagement for college students.
Our email was to be professional, clear, and provide two sources (journal articles or websites) to the student for more information.
Our critical friend was review our email and provide us with feedback on the appropriateness of the content and format.
To practice providing critical and significant feedback to our critical friend, you were to complete the following:
- We were to respond to our critical friend’s email with our feedback using the critical friend rubric.
- Submit our feedback and rubric.
- Set up WhatsApp or another chosen messaging service on your mobile phone and share this with our critical friend so we can communicate quickly with each other.
Below is my revised email after Critical Friend review:
Dear Breonna,
I understand that you’re struggling through a challenging time. The transition to online learning can certainly be daunting, and it’s natural to feel less motivated without a traditional classroom environment. However, please remember that we’ve all had moments of doubt and struggle, and I empathize with what you’re experiencing right now.
I want to highlight the potential consequences of dropping out. Not only would it mean halting your academic progress, but it could also limit your future career prospects. A solid education is more critical than ever in today’s competitive job market. Additionally, stopping your education might cause regret in the long run since this program offers many opportunities to learn and grow.
I’d like to suggest a few strategies that might help rejuvenate your motivation. First, setting clear, tangible goals can provide direction and purpose. Having specific, measurable, and achievable objectives and a realistic timeline for reaching them can make tasks seem less overwhelming. Also, try reaching out to fellow students and instructors. Building a supportive network can significantly enhance your online learning experience, making it feel more collaborative and less isolating.
Technology can be your ally in boosting engagement and motivation. For instance, platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams can facilitate communication and collaboration with your peers, making discussions and group projects easier. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Google Meet help to replicate a classroom environment where you can interact with your instructors and classmates in real-time. Tools like Trello or Asana can assist with project management and deadline tracking, helping you stay organized. Additionally, educational apps like Khan Academy or Coursera offer supplemental learning resources that can reinforce your understanding of the course material.
Here are some great articles on enhancing motivation and engagement in online learning:
Muschek, M. (2020, September 8). Four ways to stay motivated, achieve success during online classes. The Daily Beacon. https://www.utdailybeacon.com/campus_news/campus_life/four-ways-to-stay-motivated-achieve-success-during-online-classes/article_ab4619d0-f1eb-11ea-b36c-0bf3ce74a7e6.html
Roper, A. R. (2007). How students develop online learning skills. Educause Quarterly, 30(1), 62. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2007/2/how-students-develop-online-learning-skills
UNCG Online. (2021, October 21). How to Stay Motivated as an Online Student. https://learnmore.uncg.edu/blog/6-strategies-to-stay-motivated-while-learning-online
Breonna, please remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to reach out for help when you need it. I’m here for you and am more than willing to discuss any further questions or concerns you may have.
My best regards,
Frank Jamison
Assignment Grade: 20/20
