12050

12050

General Session - Conference Presentation Only (20 minutes, no formal paper)

Betsy Duke, Kaplan University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, EDuke@kaplan.edu Mark Johnson, Kaplan University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, mjohnston@kaplan.edu Ginger Harper, Kaplan University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, viharper@kaplan.edu
 * Making Connections: Bridging the Distance Learning Gap in Mathematics**

The on-ground classroom is limited to scheduled interactions. Office hours are restricted and often times inconvenient. The ability to request support in an relatively immediate timely manner is usually not an option. Online mathematics’ students face unique environments and challenges as well. Some online environments can leave students feeling "out of touch” and or make them feel loosely connected.

The online mathematics classroom has a dynamic much different than the traditional on-ground classroom. Through creative interactions, the online environments can offer innovative approaches that are successful, creative and effective. Using various modes of interfaces which include discussion boards, online interactive white boards, one to one and one to many support groups, instructors have an assortment of available technology that enable us to break down the barriers preventing effective communications and contact.

We can communicate through VOIP when a land line or cell phone is not an option. We can use screen-share when a student is having a problems and they are is not able to properly communicate due to some sort of limitation. Utilizing any of the available types of technology and interactive communications, we can create a learning environment that promotes learning despite multiple learning styles so that all learners feel they can participate, contribute and be successful.

This presentation will review proactive approaches that motivate and encourage student participation with a focus on strategies for increased student success through learner and instructor interactions and effective discourse in online distance learning environments.

All Audiences Achievement, online math, distance learning