Learner Autonomy and Engagement in the Digital Environment

Learner Autonomy and Engagement in the Digital Environment

Kendal Rolley

Hanoi Academy International Bilingual School

This video, which will consist of one presenter (myself) speaking over a slide presentation, will discuss the challenges of teaching online in the perspective of learner autonomy and engagement. I'll start by providing a very brief explanation of Vietnam's online learning situation in regards to COVID-19, and the specifics of the institution I teach in. Then, drawing on personal experiences from myself and colleagues, I will speak about the challenges of dealing with our teenage learners in respect to:

- Socialization - how did we ensure students had the chance to interact with one another when studying online, and why is this important?

- Efficacy- Do students feel that online study was more, or less valuable than online teaching? I'll discuss elements of why this can be difficult in a Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC), and use anecdotal evidence from students showing that while some students found it challenging, others were able to thrive in a way that the classroom environment doesn't necessarily afford. As much as possible, I'll make an attempt to profile the defining traits of students that flourish in an online environment. This leads into the final section of the video.

- Opportunities - what are ways that students can actually benefit from online learning in a way that isn't possible in a classroom environment?