You're dealing with learners facing technical setbacks. How can you keep them engaged and motivated?
In the world of digital learning, technical setbacks can be a major hurdle. Yet, it's crucial to keep learners engaged and motivated, even when technology doesn't cooperate. Understanding that such challenges are part of the learning curve helps in devising strategies to maintain interest and progress. Encouragement, adaptability, and creative problem-solving can transform these setbacks into valuable teaching moments.
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Jeanne Beatrix Law, PhDWriting Professor, Director of 1st Year Writing @KennesawState, AAC&U Faculty Mentor, Coursera Author, Gen-AI Thought…
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Uttam ShindeLearning Technology Manager @ Capgemini | Edcast LXP Implementation and Consulting | Certified CSOD Consultant | LXP |…
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Rida AyazExecutive Corporate Learning @PTCL | Learning & Development Specialist | Instructional Designer & eLearning Developer |…
When learners encounter technical issues, the first step is to assess their needs comprehensively. This means understanding not just the nature of the technical problem, but also how it affects their learning experience. By identifying the specific challenges faced, you can tailor your support to their situation. Whether it's a software glitch or a lack of digital skills, providing targeted assistance can help them overcome these obstacles and prevent frustration from setting in.
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When learners encounter technical challenges, providing personalized support and showing empathy are essential. I've assisted several learners who encountered issues while connecting to our In-house LMS platforms. I reached out directly to them, offering customized troubleshooting advice and guiding them through the process. By proactively addressing their concerns and involving IT support when necessary, I not only resolved technical issues promptly but also maintained their motivation to achieve their learning objectives. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment and encourages collaboration among peers, enhancing engagement and cultivating a strong community spirit on the platform.
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Lol. Have a chat with them! For the love of all that’s sweet and pure! Why wouldn’t you be able to motivate and engage other humans when the tech fails? What have you been doing with your life that has reduced you to a person reliant on technology to have meaningful interactions with people. Tell a bloody joke, heaven forbid you ask them some questions about their lives. Just be authentically curious and have a sense of humour. Those two things will always engage others. Sigh…
Simplifying technology can be a game-changer for learners struggling with technical setbacks. Break down complex processes into manageable steps and provide clear, jargon-free instructions. Remember, what seems intuitive to you might not be for someone else. Offer alternative methods or tools that achieve the same educational goals but are less technically demanding. This approach not only reduces stress but also builds learners' confidence in their ability to navigate digital environments.
Engaging directly with learners is vital when they face technical difficulties. Personalized attention can make a significant difference in their learning experience. Reach out through various communication channels to offer help and show that you're invested in their success. This direct engagement demonstrates empathy and understanding, which are essential for maintaining motivation and can lead to more effective problem-solving.
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I have a personal experience that may help here. I teach graduate students at a public university, and about 25% of my students are first-generation. One of my classes last year was synchronous online, meaning that we met twice a week at the same time. Two of my students usually joined via smartphones, bc they worked and sometimes couldn't get home in time for class. There were tech issues when they joined on their phones. I reached out to them directly and offered my help in troubleshooting issues. I offered help from our IT folks as well. This simple act of caring kept the students in my class and also in the program overall. One will graduate in the fall. Taking the time to reach out to learners really helps them feel like they belong.
Providing learners with additional resources is a proactive way to support them through technical setbacks. Create a repository of tutorials, FAQs, and guides that address common issues. Encourage learners to use these resources as a first line of defense when they encounter a problem. This not only empowers them to solve issues independently but also frees up your time to assist with more complex challenges.
Fostering a community among learners can be incredibly beneficial, especially when facing technical setbacks. Encourage them to share their experiences and solutions with each other. Peer support can be just as valuable as instructor guidance, offering different perspectives and fostering a collaborative learning environment. When learners feel part of a community, they're more likely to stay engaged and motivated, even in the face of difficulties.
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If you have the knowledge just fine hesitate to get on a call with them to fix the issue and build some interesting conversation till the issue is fixed. The Learners will feel included and not left out alone. Well I ah e faced many people facing tech issues and they just hesitate toto reach out as well.
Staying flexible is key to keeping learners engaged during technical setbacks. Be willing to adjust deadlines, provide alternative assignments, or even modify course materials if necessary. Your flexibility can alleviate the pressure on learners and help them stay on track with their studies. It's important to remember that the goal is learning, not just ticking boxes, and sometimes that requires bending the rules a bit.
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