The higher education landscape has been transformed by online learning, heralding a new era of unparalleled flexibility and accessibility. Students liberated from traditional classrooms now wield the power to steer their educational journey. Yet despite its myriad benefits, a prevailing sentiment endures the perceived lack of authentic human interaction. Bridging this gap poses a significant challenge. It necessitates efforts to ensure that online education not only disseminates knowledge but also fosters a sense of community. Thus, it becomes imperative to delve into strategies to infuse online learning in higher education with elements of humanity, creating a more immersive and interconnected experience for students.

The Importance of Human Connection

While online learning provides flexibility, its true potential lies in balancing autonomy with meaningful interpersonal interactions. The absence of face-to-face engagement can make students feel isolated, hindering their ability to actively participate and seek clarification when needed. To address this, educators must consciously integrate elements that foster authentic connections within the digital realm.

Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari, the Regional Director for South Asia at D2L, provides insights on Humanising Higher Education through online learning.

Here are the key points:

Synchronous Learning:

Synchronous learning, where students engage in real-time interactions, can significantly enhance the human touch in online education. Incorporating live lectures, interactive discussions and virtual group activities allows students to connect with both their peers and instructors in a more immediate and personal way. This real-time engagement helps recreate the dynamic interactions reminiscent of traditional classrooms, fostering a sense of belonging.

Building Genuine Relationships:

Creating a sense of community is pivotal in humanising online learning. Educators should prioritise building genuine relationships with their students. This involves going beyond the role of content delivery and actively engaging in discussions, providing personalised feedback, and being approachable. Establishing virtual office hours, where students can ask questions or seek guidance, contributes to a more supportive learning environment.

Connecting With At-Risk Students:

Technology can play a crucial role in identifying students who may be struggling or disengaged in the online environment. Using data analytics, educators can pinpoint at-risk students and intervene early to provide more support. Personalised communication, targeted resources and proactive outreach show a commitment to student success, reinforcing the human connection even in a digital setting.

Interactive Course Design:

The design of online courses plays a pivotal role in humanising the learning experience. Incorporating multimedia elements, interactive assignments, and collaborative projects not only enhances engagement but also creates opportunities for meaningful connections. Discussion forums and virtual group activities can serve as digital meeting spaces where students exchange ideas and perspectives, fostering a sense of community.

Role of the LMS in Humanising Online Learning:

Learning management systems (LMS) can help educators humanise online education by providing a structured platform beyond content delivery. They facilitate interactive course design, allowing educators to integrate multimedia and collaborative projects. Serving as centralised communication hubs, LMS platforms encourage student engagement and promote connection through discussion forums.

Additionally, personalised feedback mechanisms enhance the learning experience, while data-driven insights enable proactive intervention for at-risk students. LMS platforms also support seamless collaboration among educators, creating a connected and enriching online learning environment.

Humanising online learning in higher education is not only possible but essential for creating a truly enriching educational experience. By leveraging the capabilities of an LMS, higher education institutions can bridge the gap between technology and genuine human interactions, ensuring that online learning is not just a delivery of content but a holistic and enriching educational journey for every student. In prioritising the human connection in the online learning environment, educators can help ensure that students feel supported, connected, and inspired throughout their educational journey.