Engaging Distance Learners Section 4

Overview Engaging Distance Learners Section 4 Cooperative/collaborative learning activities Strong Instructor Presence Student/Faculty Interaction Supportive Campus Environment Overview Engaging Distance Learners

Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Activities Theory Description Examples of Application Cooperative and Collaborative Learning is a learning situation that involves two or more individuals who are attempting to have a shared educational experience. (Pappas, 2014) As a theory, it suggests that learners who are educated in a group setting and cooperate in order to achieve a set of common goals are more likely to be successful in doing so, while those who work autonomously are more likely to exhibit competitive behaviors. (Pappas, 2014) Students learn from each other while interacting in a group to achieve a goal. Learning Team Assignments Three Step Interview activity Team presentation Team paper Discussion Forums Discussion question responses Replies to other student posts

Strong Instructor Presence Theory Description Examples of Application The concept of teaching presence evolved out of the research on social presence and teacher immediacy. Short, Williams, and Christie (1976) initially described social presence as a quality of a communication medium that can affect the way people communicate. (Lowenthal & Parscal, 2008).  Instructor posts introductions and expectations at the beginning of the course. Instructor is active in the discussion forums throughout the course. Instructor provides feedback Instructor shares personal stories

Student/Faculty Interaction Theory Description Examples of Application Based on social learning theory Involves Three types of interaction Learner to content interaction Learner to learner interaction Learner to Faculty interaction Research studies on interactivity show that students have a real need to make connections with other students and with their instructors. (Academic Technology Center - Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2007) Present a welcoming friendly atmosphere. Provide more than one way for students to contact you. Use synchronous technologies for question and answer sessions and ad hoc discussions. Provide clear and thorough information to students.

References Dixson, M. (2010, June). Creating effective student engagement in online courses: What do students find engaging?. Journal of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 10(2), 1-13. Retrieved from https://www.iupui.edu/~josotl/archive/vol_10/no_2/v10n2dixson.pdf Pappas, C. (2014). Instructional Design Models and Theories: Cooperative and Collaborative Theory. Retrieved from http://elearningindustry.com/cooperative-and-collaborative-theory Lowenthal, P., Parscal, T., (2008). Teaching Presence Online Facilitates Meaningful Learning. Retrieved from http://www.patricklowenthal.com/publications/TeachingPresenceFacilitatesLearning.pdf  Academic Technology Center - Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (2007). Incorporating Interaction into Your Distance Learning Course. Retrieved from https://www.wpi.edu/Academics/ATC/Collaboratory/Teaching/interaction.html