student-to-instructor dialog. Ongoing flexible technical support is also vital to manage any technical issues that arise. Finally, well-being services and the provision of online well-being content such as mindfulness resources are important steps toward the prevention of online student mental health concerns. On a more general note, a flexible and responsive approach to all activities is critical in intensive online environments. Where there are student or instructor skills gaps, it becomes more time-critical to identify and address these, or potential barriers can become a greater risk of student attrition. Likewise, if students are not able to adopt a proactive approach to time management and prioritize study deadlines, the risk of overwhelm and stress increases. Academically, understanding key content and successfully completing assessment tasks becomes of greater importance in the intensive online environment. Future research would benefit from understanding any specific factors related to student and instructor readiness for intensive online study, so that institutions adopting intensive study modes can provide the maximum chance of a successful experience for all involved. It is apparent that intensive online courses offer a range of benefits to students and staff, including accessibility, opportunities for embracing new technologies, and promoting independent, self-regulated learning. These benefits need to be considered alongside some of the known barriers associated with online education; potential student disengagement, work-life balance difficulties for students working full-time, and technological challenges for both students and instructors. It is imperative to continue to monitor and meet student needs that are particular to the online environment, so that online courses can adapt to changing future needs. With the move for tertiary institutions to consider more intensive modes of online degree study comes an increased responsibility to understand how best to prepare students, instructors, and student support mechanisms to succeed in intensive online learning environments. Consideration of the factors discussed in the current review will guide institutions and educators to maximize student success in intensive online courses as this sector continues to rapidly evolve. Future research is well positioned to continue deepening understanding of best practice as it applies to intensive online education. Infographic-based self-directed learning The module aims to introduce the learner to the infographic-based self-directed learning process. An Interactive Infographic is an engaging educational experience for learners that consist of learning materials that engage the user to “interact” with information. The Infographic can also be used in a facilitated session through classroom-based learning, the following digital learning resources being included in each infographic: The explainer video that gives a short but detailed overview of the topic, as an introduction to the key vocabulary and concepts necessary in order to complete the challenge-based learning resources that are embedded further in the Interactive Infographic. The quiz allows the trainer to assess if the level and complexity of the resources contained in this Interactive Infographic are appropriate to the learner’s needs. Therefore, it is important that the quiz is completed by learners before they commence the challenge-based learning resources contained in this Interactive Infographic. This 26
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