Abstract:

This interactive session contains introductory/intermediate content relevant to a broad array of individuals interested in online learning technologies' practical application for diverse students (Kgn-12) and pre or in-service professionals. The session addresses the attributes of effective online learning and student interaction and provides strategies/Apps for enhancing the engagement and interaction of diverse online learners.

The session will provide faculty, practitioners, and family members with information and interactive activities that highlight:
(a) factors that impact diverse students' engagement in online learning environments and
(b) educational strategies and Apps for creating and sustaining online learner engagement.

Outcomes 1. Enable participants to describe engagement strategies that promote learning in online environments for students with diverse cultural, linguistic, or ability characteristics. Specifically, the session will highlight APPS that help students become adaptive, competent, socially connected, and engaged.
2. prepare participants to demonstrate strategies using APPS that encourage students to interact effectively with classmates and adults regardless of their cultural, linguistic, or ability diversity. For example, the session will demonstrate how modeling, teaching, feedback, and other types of guided support can promote students' social development during routines and activities by encouraging them to initiate or sustain positive interactions with other children and adults.

Literature Review:
Research in neuroscience and the physiology of learning demonstrates the strong link between emotion and cognition; little real learning occurs in the absence of the strong, positive emotions engendered by deep engagement, motivation and interest, and caring (Zull, 2011). Educational research has consistently confirmed that students who are actively engaged in the learning process are more likely to undertake challenging activities, enjoy and adopt a deep learning approach, and exhibit enhanced performance, persistence, and creativity. Although attributes of the online environment (e.g., self-paced, flexibility, interactivity) can enhance student engagement, it presents special challenges regarding eliciting and maintaining engagement, particularly among online learners whose intellectual, behavioral, emotional, or physical characteristics amplify their learning challenges. Vital to the ongoing engagement of these learners are:
(a) the ability to self-regulate their learning,
(b) the interaction relationships available in the online experience, and
(c) the accessibility of online course content.

Session effectiveness will be offered via the presentation, discussion, and demonstration of evidence-based practices and Apps to create and sustain online learner engagement. Additionally, session content will support a deeper understanding of the instructional practices and interaction as they relate to online instruction by:
(a) addressing the factors that facilitate continued engagement for diverse online learners and
(b) presenting strategies for effectively engaging students (Kgn-12) and those in higher education (preservice or Inservice) in online instruction.

Participant outcomes:
Participants will describe three or more strategies/Apps for:
(1) helping learners regulate their online learning
(2) and facilitate engagement

Keywords:

Learning, Inclusion, Special Education, Apps, Technology, Education.