Using technology is almost a given when it comes to online learning. Computers, tablets, websites, learning management systems, and so on, all of this technology is there to use to create and facilitate an online learning environment. If the learning experience itself is not effective, all of this technology is practically useless.
The facilitator of the course should know the technology so, at the very least, they can help a less knowledgeable student navigate the use of the technology. With knowledge of the technology, the facilitator also has more tools to use to help enhance the learning experience. For example, the course might only require a discussion to involve text but by incorporating multimedia this can help improve the experience. Conrad & Donaldson (2011) state that the best way for students to learn the tools is for them to actually start using them.
In forming an online learning community, setting up expectations can help the student understand what they need to do during the course and how to go about doing it. One obvious way to set expectations is to have a syllabus for the students to go over before the class starts. Another way is for the facilitator to have an introductory posting stating what they expect from the students, how they will grade it, and what to do if they need to contact the instructor. The discussion board is another great way for the instructor to repeat expectations and to get feedback from the students.
The students know the technology and the expectations for the course have been set, but this is not all that is required for a successful and meaningful learning experience. Keeping the students engaged is essential in a learning environment. One way to get this started is the ice breaker at the beginning of a course. Palloff and Pratt (Laureate Education 2010) run through several different ice breakers that keep students engaged and lets all involved get to know each other a little more.
Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2011). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction (Updated ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Laureate Education (Producer). (2010). Launching the online learning experience [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu