One of the biggest assumptions in online learning is that students have access to their courses 24/7. We use this as a way to dismiss all of the hurdles that online students have to overcome. Let's look at how much "real time" students in online courses have for learning. Come for the snark, stay for the ideas and motivation to improve.
The assumption that students in online courses can learn 24/7 is a problem. Because it is completely false. But this is the narrative that is pitched to students. It is presented in marketing material to students that may be "too busy with life" to attend classes. And students taking traditional format classes are shown some online classes that are easy to complete online and could free up some of their schedule.
We are stacking the deck against the possiblity of student learning and success. Let's analyze why this is taking place, what are the causes, and how they are hurting students. We will do this by analyzing survey data from students and faculty.
But we will shall not be deterred. After looking at the faults and failures, we can identify positive areas and where we have room for progress to take place.
All attending will be encouraged to share their own insights and knowledge throughout the session, so we can become even more driven to bring back ideas for change to our institutions.