Broadening online learning horizons: lessons learned from implementing interactive opportunities in an online soil science course

Abstract

Online courses enhance access to impactful learning experiences and knowledge for a wide range of students. However, traditional online course formats can often present inherent challenges for courses with an applied or hands-on lab component, particularly in asynchronous learning environments. Introductory Soil Science courses are naturally hands-on, consisting of both a lecture and laboratory component that allow students to explore the wide breadth of sub-disciplines in Soil Science (e.g., soil microbiology, soil physics, soil formation), including field and lab techniques. At Utah State University, the introductory-level Soil Science course (i.e., PSC 3000) is offered both in-person and online. This presentation will share a unique comparison between delivery styles, providing useful insight on lessons learned through the process of re-designing PSC 3000 lectures and labs to enhance engagement, interaction, and relatability for students across a range of majors. Highlights will include insightful student perspectives, effective active learning strategies for asynchronous learning environments, and suggestions for feasible future course improvements.

Presenters