Distance Learning Classroom Management 1

Distance Education Classroom Management

Rebecca Ralph, Cynthia Ray, and Carol Hesprich

CUR/532
Melinda Medina
June 16, 2015

Distance Learning Classroom Management 2

Distance Education Classroom Management
Introduction
Online Classes are integrated into learning culture around the world, particularly when students
are pursuing higher degrees. This popular trend continues to be in demand due to the convenience of
online education in todays students hectic and busy lifestyles. Any time a group of people get together
for any reason and in any kind of domain, misunderstandings and problems will arise; that is a fact, we
are humans. What are the usual controversies?
Three Different Types of Controversy
According to Rob Kelly (facultyfocus.com, 2012, p.1), face-to-face instructors can defuse
conflict as soon as it arises, but it is not that simple when teaching online. These three controversies
below are the ones to be most aware of:
1. The Asynchronous Format: If a student makes touchy comments, the instructor may not
see the comments right away, but the other students do. The students could not agree with the
original comment posted and the students pounce on the original poster. Emotions flare and
words go back and forth. Woman studies and African-American history often generate their
fair share of controversy according to Cristy Casado Tondeur.
2. Potential Misinterpretation of Predominantly Text-based Communication: Relying on
text-based communication opens the door to misinterpretation due to not seeing or hearing
students. When a message is only text, students may interpret its meaning based on
assumptions and stereo-types.
3. Relative Anonymity: Online courses can empower students who might be uneasy about
speaking up in class to express themselves in the discussion forums. This is the downside to
relative anonymity, also called Internet thugs. These internet thug students post anything
cruel, damaging, hurtful, etc. since they do not know who I am philosophy.

Distance Learning Classroom Management 3

Since controversy is unavoidable and even productive, there are keys to know how to manage it.
Strategies for Managing Controversy
The key is to know how to handle disagreements successfully. Here are some methods to properly
handle controversy and reap its benefits:

Anticipate debate and set objectives: Tell learners that in the course, they are responsible to
discuss any topics that may be unpleasant and explain that this is part of the studying procedure.
Ask them to toss away any generalizations they may have because generalizations often get in the
way of stating their thoughts to something new. Ask them to be careful when they are writing
certain terms or words because these can lead to painful experiences.

Icebreakers can also be an efficient way to prepare learners to communicate efficiently and
pleasantly in an online classroom atmosphere. As an icebreaker, an instructor can ask learners to
post answers to the following questions: What was the best show you have attended? Who
would you want to interview? What is your preferred movie? Besides satisfying a need, what are
you expecting from this course, etc.?

Identifying the controversies and managing those controversies, an instructor can begin to identify the
individual self-efficacy of his/her students in the online classroom.
Self-Efficacy in the Online Classroom
Albert Bandura gives online instructors a clear definition on what self-efficacy is and how it is
used in the online classroom. Bandura stated, Self-efficacy is a persons beliefs about his/her abilities to
complete specific actions. Furthermore, self-efficacy is a major factor in how a person approaches a
particular task or challenge, especially one that is new (Vilkas and McCabe 2014). It is highly important
that an instructor identifies the self-efficacy of each of his/her students because this will help the student
to succeed in the online environment. Since it is very difficult for an instructor to see facial expressions

Distance Learning Classroom Management 4

and emotions from his/her students, making a phone call, sending private e-mail messages, providing
positive feedback from classroom forums, etc., allow the students to develop self-efficacy in the
classroom and therefore be able to master the online environment and succeed. This is very essential to
online instruction and furthering self-efficacy and managing any controversies that may arise.
Individual Efficacy
According to Banduras 1977 examination, there are four factors that affect self-efficacy. The four
factors are: Experience of Mastery, Vicarious Experience, Social Persuasion, and Physiological Factors
(Vilkas and McCabe 2014). The two important factors that can affect individual efficacy are described
below:
1. Experience of Mastery: Initial success naturally promotes self-efficacy; it is pertinent that
students have clear tasks to complete on the first few days of class. For example, having
students post personal introductions can help them understand the correct usage of the
learning management system. When the instructor posts positive responses and comments
back to the individual students initial discussion, it creates an initial feeling of success in the
student. Even posting collective comments from students after individual assignments, and
even before, or at the end of the course would help students know others had questions and
problems also, but all the students mastered the tasks.
2. Social Persuasion: A sense of community if established when students are actively reading
fellow students postings and writing quality responses to the fellow students. To help the
community to form, an instructor must post behavioral norms and grading expectations for
online communication and, then model it for the students. The instructor must praise for
higher order thinking and comments and real world applications of the concepts being
learned. The instructor can also achieve social persuasion when using the evaluation
feedback, personal and positive communication via phone calls, text messages, and e-mails.
Conclusion

Distance Learning Classroom Management 5

By following these tips for managing distance education classrooms, the students will be far less
likely to destructively engage controversy, productively learn and handle problems that arise, and gain a
high degree of self-efficacy. This is essential for the success for this forum of the education.

Distance Learning Classroom Management 6

References
Kelly, Rob. (2012). Managing Controversy in the Online Classroom. Facultyfocus.com. Retrieved June
16, 2015 from http//www.facultyfocus.com/articles/on-line-education/managing-controversy-inthe-online-classroom.
Vilkas, Ben and Crystal McCabe. 2013. Promoting Students Self-Efficacy in the Online Classroom.
Retrieved June 16, 2015 from http//www.facultyfocus.com/articles/on-line-education/promotingstudents-self-efficacy-online-classroom.
Online Classroom Controversy Management Posted on April 21, 2013 retrieved June 18, 2015 from:
http://coastaledinstitute.com/blog/online/onlineclassroomcontroversymanagement/