Online Learners^[1]

• LaGuardia Community College students represent the vibrant and diverse tapestry of New York City. Often first-generation college students and immigrants, they bring a wealth of unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom. Driven by a desire for upward mobility and personal growth, these students juggle demanding schedules, balancing academics with work, family responsibilities, and community involvement. They demonstrate resilience and determination in the face of challenges daily, embodying the spirit of Queens and contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the college and the city as a whole.

We know that at LaGuardia Community College, we see many students who are the first in their families to go to university. We may also see students who hold advanced degrees, veterans, and international students. We have many immigrant students enrolled in our courses, and often need to remember that English may be one of many languages in which they communicate. Many of our students rely on some form of scholarships or financial aid, a majority of whom live independently from their parents. As a result, they may have to work part- or full-time jobs while in college.

The student demographic in courses that have a synchronous or asynchronous online component reflect our diverse student population. Students may select online courses for various reasons, including flexibility and convenience, affordability, and course availability. Research also shows that women are more likely to enroll in online courses than men. In addition, our students may have a wide range of responsibilities outside of their coursework—family, job and social roles that may complement or conflict with their duties as students. We also know that many of our students face additional barriers to their education, including language and accessibility. Some students may be underprepared for taking online courses and may not have access to adequate technology. At the same time, we see many students in our classes who are already operating at advanced levels and push to be challenged and take on more complex tasks to maximize their learning. All of these factors need to be considered at the course development stage.

Learner-centered teaching is grounded in learner-centered course development. If we develop courses with our students in mind, the outcomes are richer because the motivations, skills, and attributes we seek to foster are more clearly in mind. In order to put our learners first, let’s start by identifying some of the students who might enroll in your course.

Photo by geralt, via Pixabay

As you design your online course, it is important to keep your learners in mind. Understanding who our learners are is a normal part of the design for online content creation, but it may be new to you. As you develop your course, consider what myths of online learning you or your students may need to debunk, e.g. online classes are easier than in person classes or students and what resources you may need to provide for your students to help them be successful in your course, e.g. instructions for finding a quiet place to participate in synchronous session or schedule time during the week to complete asynchronous work.

Read Busting myths in online education: Faculty examples from the field to learn more about how common myths and conceptions about online learning are addressed.

Watch The myths of online education: Inclusion, fairness & bias to learn more about myths faculty have about online education.

Additional Resources

• How do community college students feel about online learning?.
• Report: Designing Online Courses for Students With Disabilities
• Learners and Technology: Myths about Online Education | SpringerLink
• Sixteen myths about online teaching and learning in higher education: Don’t believe everything you hear | TechTrends 
• Dispelling Myths for Students: Alternative Ways of Thinking in Online Education | SpringerLink 
• Online Learning | EducationUSA 
• Learning To Learn Online – Simple Book Publishing 
• Chapter 2: Learner Profiles – Learning To Learn Online