July 29, 2024 | By Makayla Reese

Makayla Reese is a junior biology major at Virginia State University and a Fellow with the Postsecondary Teaching Technology Collaborative. Learn more about the Fellowship program here.

My college journey began like many do. I felt unconfident and underprepared due to a lack of a proper high school education. Like many others, I also witnessed the expansion of online courses in the wake of the pandemic, and I was forced to adapt to a new way of learning.

Unlike others, however, I’ve been able to see myself and my college experience in a unique light. As a Fellow with the Postsecondary Teaching with Technology Collaborative, I’ve been part of a national initiative to improve the online teaching and learning experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Thanks in part to the Collaborative’s research, resources, and mentors, I’ve developed a new perspective on online education and the role that students, educators, researchers, and others can play in shaping the future of STEM instruction and the STEM workforce.

Based on my experience as a student and as a Collaborative Fellow, here’s what I’ve learned.

Keeping Students Engaged

One of the biggest challenges students have with online classes is staying focused and engaged. Long lectures can make it easy to zone out.

In a recent survey of online STEM instructors, researchers with the Collaborative found that faculty reported online students are less likely than those in in-person courses to experience the excitement and motivation of being part of a community of learners because they lack opportunities to engage with peers.

From my own experience as an online student, I feel more engaged when faculty mix things up with quizzes, polls, and discussion forums. Breaking lectures into shorter, more manageable chunks can also help keep our attention. As a Fellow, I’ve seen how researchers encourage faculty to use more interactive activities to build a supportive community among students.

Creating a Supportive Environment

My experience as a Fellow, and with Collaborative members like Keena Walters and Krystal Thomas, has shown me the value of establishing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. They created a welcoming space where I felt comfortable talking about my struggles and asking for help. Instructors should aim to create similar environments by being approachable, accessible, and understanding of students’ needs.

Learn more about the importance of support and accessibility in the Collaborative’s latest research.

Increasing Representation and Inclusivity

STEM education has its own set of challenges, especially for those of us from underrepresented groups. As a Black woman in STEM, I’ve faced my share of obstacles, but I’ve also learned a lot about how we can make STEM education better for everyone.

Representation really matters, especially in fields like STEM where some groups are underrepresented. Being part of the Postsecondary Teaching with Technology Collaborative has allowed me to share my experiences and advocate for others. Schools should work to increase diversity and inclusivity in STEM programs by providing mentorship, support networks, and opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

Self-Directed Learning

Self-directed learning (SDL) is incredibly important in online education in general, and especially in STEM. Traditional lectures often aren’t enough to engage students or help them deeply understand the material. Students need to develop skills that help them maintain motivation, reflect, and set and achieve their academic goals. Beginning early in a course, teachers should work to connect with students, build a sense of belonging, and engage in activities focused on SDL skill development. These can include offering opportunities for reflection, goal-setting, and peer support and tutoring.

Bridging Learning Gaps

Many students, including me, struggle with the transition from high school to college, especially when it comes to study skills. High school often focuses on memorization, but college requires us to really understand and apply what we learn. To help bridge this gap, schools should offer courses or workshops on study techniques, time management, and critical thinking. These resources can help us develop the skills we need to succeed in STEM.

Practical Tips for Faculty

Based on my experiences both in college and in the Postsecondary Collaborative, here are some practical tips for instructors who want to improve online and STEM education:

• Engage, Engage, Engage: Use interactive tools and activities to keep students involved and make learning fun. Include multimedia resources, real-world examples, and group projects to help us better understand the material.
• Create a Supportive Environment: Build an inclusive and supportive learning space by being approachable and understanding. Encourage open communication and make it easy for students to ask for help and connect with you.
• Promote Diversity in STEM: Actively work to increase diversity in STEM programs by offering mentorship and support networks for underrepresented students. Highlight diverse role models and create a welcoming environment for everyone.
• Promote Self-Directed Learning: Provide resources and support to help students develop effective habits and transition smoothly from high school to college. Create space for workshops and activities based on study techniques, time management, reflection, peer support, and goal-setting.

My experience as both a college student and a Collaborative Fellow has shown me that change is possible and that postsecondary education can – and should – work for everyone. By embracing new approaches like these, educators can help prepare the next generation of STEM professionals and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.