* Key Info for this Podcast*  Update on my winter break, goal achievement * Online Learning, focus on Engagement * What is engagement? * Compare to traditional class * With instructor * With other students * Why does it matter? * Consider environment * Tangible (location) * Intangible (peers) * OLC Accelerate 2018: What did I come away with? * Keynote was awesome! * Dr. Jane McGonigal * Importance/value of today’s games, how they might inform us of what online learning will look like in the future * Everyone’s a potential ally * Abundance philosophy* Peer-to-peer network * Trading of items * Sharing achievements * Engagement is what you put into it (learners and instructors). * The actual assignments are the direct method for engaging. * Teachers —> Stop it with the “Week #1 Icebreaker, then links/document repository for rest of semester” * Put some soul into your course! * Leave a piece of yourself in the assignment * Show the students a little of who you are * Students —> It’s on you to make the community happen (if you want it) if the teacher is unwilling * Initiate the engagement * Through the LMS * Email * Study group (video conferencing) * Shared Google Doc * Group text (What’s App) * Meeting up locally on campus * My examples * Wellness & Recovery course * FOTW example

Important links for today’s Episode

* Older Episode I Did About Online Learning (#49)* Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate 2018 Conference* Information about Dr. Jane McGonigal, awesome Keynote speaker!* * Mine and Dr. Ann Murphy’s OLC Presentation

Housekeeping: 

* If you are a recent college grad or faculty member that’s in recovery for mental health issues, I’d love to interview you about your goal achievement quest, the struggles/adversity you faced, as well the wellness strategies you used! I’m particularly interested in interviewing student entrepreneurs and those involved in mental health advocacy. There are a variety of ways to reach out.

* Email me at: [email protected]

* The Official Podcast Website* Visit the podcast’s Facebook page! or

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* Looking for help on how to become a better online student in college? Try my course, Ace Your Online Class, available on Udemy. It’s got lots of tips and strategies on how to not only survive learning ...