Strategies for helping first-year online students with stress management

Session Description
Research shows that stress is an issue for many college students; with the addition of online or distance learning factors such as unfamiliar technology and isolation issues inherent to online courses, this stress can be magnified and can lead to poor academic performance and other negative effects (Cohen, 2019). One contributing factor is that most first-year online students are not provided with stress management techniques as part of their courses.
The goal of this presentation is to discuss and elicit participant interaction based on the following questions:

  1. What instructional practices can be used to help first-year online college students with stress management?
  2. How does the online course set-up contribute to first-year student stress and what can faculty members do to mitigate this given Learning Management System (LMS) constraints?
  3. What additional resources both inside and outside of the online classroom can help first-year students with stress management?

In discussing these questions, the authors will provide research and personal experience-based information in the areas of instructional practices, classroom set-up and resources for helping online college students with stress management and success in college overall. As full-time faculty teaching at one of the largest distance education universities in the United States, the authors have researched this topic as part of a project related to helping first-year online students overcome feelings of stress and isolation.

Presenter(s)
Tracy Crawford
Tracy Crawford, University of Phoenix, CA
Tracy Crawford, MAEd, is a full-time faculty member teaching entry point and foundational courses for the College of General Studies with University of Phoenix where she has been working as a staff member for the past 15 years. She earned a Master’s degree in Education – Curriculum & Instruction/Adult Education Distance Learning and completed a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program for her Elementary teaching certificate. Tracy has been involved in education not only as a teacher and administrator, but also as a volunteer with United Way as a volunteer Reading Buddy, Head Start, Art Masterpiece and she has served as a Faculty Supervisor for student teachers. Tracy is a Certified Advanced Facilitator, has served as a Faculty Trainer, and facilitated both faculty and student workshops at University of Phoenix. Tracy’s true passion is helping students learn and grow!
Jennifer Romano
Jennifer Romano, University of Phoenix, CA
Jennifer Romano is a graduate of Auburn University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Mass Communication. While attending graduate school at Auburn, Jennifer was an instructor of Public Speaking. Upon graduating she became an adjunct professor at The University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, followed by a full time instructor at Faulkner State Community College (now Coastal Community College) in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She taught communication and public speaking courses at both colleges. Then in 2007 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, followed by Herzing University in Birmingham, Alabama; she was an instructor of mass communication, public speaking and humanities course. In 2013 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at University of Phoenix, where she is currently working as a full time instructor of General Studies and Humanities courses. She has over 15 years of experience with online instruction and LOVES being an instructor at University of Phoenix!
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
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Best Practices for Creating Multimedia Resources

Session Description
With the proliferation of free and easy-to-use tools, use of multimedia in learning environments has become commonplace. This paper discusses principles, guidelines, and best practices for creating multimedia for learning. The guidelines and principles are based on the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and Cognitive Load Theory. A review and application of principles of multimedia learning (multimedia, contiguity, modality, redundancy signaling, coherence) is included and so are general best practices for creating multimedia presentations.
Presenter(s)
Eunice Luyegu
Eunice Luyegu, Nova Southeastern University, FL
Eunice Luyegu is an Instructional Design Specialist and Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
Novice, Intermediate

A recording of this presentation is available.
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Empowering Engagement

Session Description
This session will share empowering engagement techniques to create connections in the discussion with students in the online classroom. Specific strategies include integrating technology tools such as Flipgrid, Animoto, and Poll Everywhere.
Presenter(s)
Marlene Blake
Marlene Blake, Grand Canyon University, AZ
Dr. Marlene N. Blake has worked in higher education for 16 years in various roles from student services, academic affairs/operations, and support resources. Her current career in faculty training and development focuses on optimizing the teaching and learning process as well as ensuring exceptional educational standards. She enjoys conducting researching on meaningful motivation, connectedness, leadership and providing professional development opportunities that are uniquely innovative. Dr. Blake has taught student success, critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and doctoral courses online for 12 years. She is passionate about teaching, training, mentoring, and empowering faculty/students. Dr. Blake has a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies and Child Development, a Master’s in Education focusing on Adult Distance Education as well as Curriculum and Instruction, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. Beyond teaching and supporting students/faculty, she enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter!
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
Novice, Intermediate

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.