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Many students are drawn to an online format because it offers the flexibility for learners to decide when and where to study. E-learning also offers the possibility of designing an educational program that is highly personalized to one’s needs and goals. Despite recent advances in technology and learners’ increasing familiarity with technology, most online courses continue to operate in what is essentially a two-dimensional, text-based learning environment. Limited instructor-learner and learner-learner interactivity, according to Conrad and Donaldson (2004), is one of the biggest pitfalls of course design that generally leads to learner isolation and high dropout rates. In fact, authentic interactivity has not only been shown to curb learner isolation, but also to increase learning gains, learner satisfaction, and time spent by learners in course sites ( Canyon and Podger, 2002).

Many of the initial challenges associated with online learning can be addressed if course designers and instructors acknowledge that engaged learning does not simply happen (Conrad and Donaldson, 2004). As such, instructors must often be the first ones to model and initiate interactions. The sooner this interaction is modeled, the sooner it can be expected from learners and the sooner it can become a useful addition to the online learning process.As I continue to navigate my way through Rcampus, in hopes of developing an online course for occupational therapy practitioners, I have given much thought to modeling interaction at the very beginning--starting with the syllabus. A simple video link ([]) will allow me to introduce myself to learners, discuss my teaching philosophy, reiterate the goals of the course, and reiterate my willingness to provide support throughout the learning process.

References: Canyon, D., & Podger, D. (2002). Towards a new generation of simulation models in public health education. //Austrailian Journal of Educational Technology, 18// (1), 71-88. Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2004). //Engaging the online learner: activities and resources for creative instruction//. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass.

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