The rise of online education has been a significant trend in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the shift towards remote instruction. As more students engage in distance education, the need for effective strategies to support their learning becomes increasingly important. One key aspect of successful online learning is the development of self-regulated learning (SRL) skills, which include time management, metacognition, and effort regulation.
A recent study conducted by the Postsecondary Teaching and Technology Collaborative has shed light on two interventions that can help online learners enhance their SRL skills. The study focused on community college students, particularly those from historically marginalized populations, at a minority-serving institution in the northeastern United States. The researchers aimed to understand how these students respond to interventions designed to improve their SRL skills.
The two interventions evaluated in the study were a series of informational videos and prompts. The videos, created by educational researchers and instructors, introduced students to SRL concepts and specific skills to work on. Each video addressed a different aspect of SRL and included strategies for skill development. The prompts, on the other hand, asked students to engage in activities such as planning for the week, monitoring their progress, and reflecting on course concepts.
The results of the study showed a positive relationship between the interventions and students‘ SRL behavior. Students who engaged with both the videos and prompts demonstrated improved learning skills, such as strategic planning and effort regulation. Interestingly, first-generation students and women showed stronger improvements in response to the interventions, highlighting the potential for these strategies to support equitable learning outcomes.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to expand their analysis to include additional data sources, institutions, and iterations of the study. By continuing to explore the impact of interventions on students‘ SRL skills, they hope to provide valuable insights for practitioners in the field of distance education. Ultimately, the goal is to support online learners in developing the necessary skills to succeed in their academic pursuits.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of supporting online learners in developing self-regulated learning skills. By implementing interventions such as informational videos and prompts, educators can help students enhance their ability to manage their learning effectively. As online education continues to grow, it is essential to provide students with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a digital learning environment.