This is part one of a series of blogs where we get to know six key personas we see in online learning that often need a little extra support. All of these learners have different strengths and challenges and will need a different kind of intervention and support from you.
For each of the personas below, we've link an article all about that particular persona where you'll find out:
- how you can spot this learner in your class using the Class Console
- specific actions you can take to support them both now as a facilitator and for future learners via course design.
These personas are absolutely fictional and we note that when describing these learners we’re highlighting more challenges than strengths (but they’ve all got their strengths too!).
The hope is that, by generalising, we can help you to pick and choose from a range of interventions based on the actual real-life humans you get to know in your class.
So, are you ready to meet our learners?
Techno-not-wizz Tia
Learners like Tia need...
- A follow up email with further instructions
- Checks on progress once they’re in
- Support seeing how existing skills can transfer to online
Disengaged Darren
Learners like Darren need...
- Help setting their own reminders to revisit the course
- Fairly paced study plans with reasonable and flexible due dates
- Discussions where they can take the lead
Struggling Sven
Learners like Sven need...
- To know someone is there who cares about their progress and achievement
- Focused and clear feedback and feedforward
- Specific further resources to support
Rushy Rony
Learners like Rony need...
- A clear “what’s in it for me?” for completing tasks
- Non-assessed tasks that lead to assessment
- Valuable feedback on at least one non-assessed task
Isolated Induja
Learners like Induja need...
- A clear “what’s in it for me?” for contributing to discussions
- Scaffolding into having online discussions
- Discussion topics where they can find the error (rather than worrying about making one)
Bored Billie
Learners like Billie need...
- Choice and autonomy in at least one key task
- More open-ended tasks in general
- Opportunities to leverage or showcase their prior knowledge
Do you recognise any of these learners in your class? Dive into any of the personas to see more detail on how to find them and support them by reaching out, and in some cases, adding to your course design.