Feedback is the bridge to what is learned and what a student needs to know (Conrad & Dabbagh, 2015). Various feedback provides an opportunity to identify student strengths and provide actions for improvement or reframing of an issue. Multiple forms of feedback can be used to support the teaching and learning in online environments. Effective feedback results in higher levels of learning and student satisfaction that contribute to meeting learning outcomes and achieving academic success (Espasa & Meneses 2010).
In a recent study, 96% of the students agree that feedback raised individual academic performance to a desired level (Jones and Blankership, 2014). The usefulness of feedback is evident in an effective online teaching and learning environments. Structured comments aids in effectiveness of feedback. This research includes data collected from online instructors regarding best practices used for instructor feedback. Instrument analysis for feedback will include Utilizing Assessment for Learning (AFL), which aligns with the intention of this study and the focus on student learning.
In online education, feedback is essential towards student success since the student and instructor face-to-face contact is minimal. Conrad and Dabbagh (2015) posits that feedback is the bridge to what is learned and what a student needs to know. The type of feedback and the delivery of feedback is critical for students to gain insight on demonstrating learning. The diverse population of professionals in an online learning environment creates a global and holistic exchange and perspective of course content and topics. This experience expands the knowledge, understanding and expertise shared in this teaching and learning environment. Feedback aids in fostering a sense of community and enhances engagement by entertaining opposing viewpoints. Reviews of performance include summative and formative feedback that supports student comprehension and understanding.
The workshop will focus on sharing feedback strategies and tools that instructors can apply in the online learning environment for effective teaching and learning.
References
Conrad, S. S., & Dabbagh, N. (2015). Examining the Factors that Influence how Instructors Provide Feedback in Online Learning Environments. International Journal of Online Pedagogy and Course Design (IJOPCD), 4(5), 47-66. doi:10.4018/IJOPCD.2015100104
Espasa, A. & Meneses, J. (2010). Analyzing feedback processes in an online teaching and learning environment: An exploratory study. Higher Education: The International Journal of Higher Education and Educational Planning, 59(3), 277-292.
Jones, I.S. & Blankenship D (2014). What do you mean you never got any feedback? Research in Higher Education Journal, 24. Retrieved from ERIC database.
Leibold, N. & Schwarz, L.M. (2015). The art of giving online feedback. The Journal of Effective Teaching, 15(1), 34-46. Retrieved from ProQuest database.