Online Learning Communities Presented by Angel Somers/Media Specialist

Why should we be developing online learning communities? Today’s students communicate in an instantaneous and global manner. Today’s students are familiar with social networking and this type of collaborative learning taps into that knowledge and interest.

The Educational Technology Plan for New Jersey states that: “…students must be able to use digital technology and communication tools to access, manage, integrate, evaluate information, construct new knowledge and communicate with others in order to participate effectively in society.”

2009 Revised NJ CCCS for Technology 8.1 Educational Technology: All students will use digital tools to access, manage, evaluate, and synthesize information in order to solve problems individually and collaboratively and to create and communicate knowledge.

By Grade 2: Students should be able to engage in a variety of developmentally appropriate learning activities with students in other classes, schools, or countries using electronic tools.developmentally appropriate

By Grade 4: Students should be able to engage in online discussions with learners in the United States or from other countries to understand their perspectives on a global problem or issue.online discussions

By grade 8: Students should be able to participate in an online learning community with learners from other countries to understand their perspectives on a global problem or issue, and propose possible solutions. online learning community

What kinds of online learning experiences can we create for our students? Blogs Wikis Glogs Google Docs Voicethread Skype

What is a blog? The term blog stands for “ web log” It is an online journal made up of reverse chronological entries. It can include text, images, video, podcasts, polls, and links to other web sites. Writers can post thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Readers can comment on those thoughts, feelings, and ideas. A dialogue is created between the writer and the reader.

There are 3 types of blog posts. Informative Conversational Sharing

Who is using blogs? Corporations Organizations Individuals Teachers Students

How can blogs be used by teachers? To create a web page To communicate with students and/or parents To exchange ideas with other teachers To display or publish students’ work For professional development

Let’s take some time to explore. Go to this URL to view blogs that have been created by teachers. Follow the directions to add your comments about the blogs you reviewed.

There are varied roles in blogging. Administrator Editor Author Contributor Subscriber

To publish their own work. To create electronic portfolios. To exchange ideas and communicate with teachers, other students, and in some cases the world at large. To enhance technology skills. Let’s hear what they say about blogging.blogging How can blogs be used by students?

Let’s explore! Now take a look at some student blogs. Once again leave a comment about what you have viewed.

Tips for helping student bloggers Provide examples. Include reflection and self-evaluation as part of the process. Ask students to limit overused words and phrases like “That's cool!”, “Me too!” etc. Teach students how to hyperlink. Ask students to share their strategies for persuading others to join in their conversations.  Remind students to think of their audience.

Teach digital citizenship!  Students should be sure to cite all of their sources - including clip art sources.  Do not post photos without permission and do not post names with any photos.  Remind students to be nice. Sarcasm and humor can often be misinterpreted.  Be sure that all work is proofread carefully.  Make sure that all information posted is accurate.  Be brief!

NJ CCCS state that students must: By grade 4: Explain the need for each individual, as a member of the global community, to practice cyber safety, cyber security, and cyber ethics when using existing and emerging technologies. By grade 8: Model appropriate online behaviors related to cyber safety, cyber bullying, cyber security, and cyber ethics and summarize the application of fair use and Creative Commons guidelines.

How do you teach internet safety when using blogs? Be aware of blog features that link readers to other blogs or websites. Remind students that they should never post their full names on the internet. Students need to recognize that they are writing for a wide audience. They should only write things that they are comfortable sharing. Post your rules on your blog page as a reminder. View a sample here.here

How can you create a blog? There are many different blog sources. Blogger.com Wordpress.com Edublog.org LiveJournal.com tblog.com ePals.com

Let’s create a blog Blogger:

To Remove the Navigation Bar on Blogger 1) Go to Layout 2) Select “Edit HTML” 3)Scroll down ¾ of the way and look for the following code: ]]></b:skin 4) Type the following code immediately above: #navbar- iframe{height:Opx;visibility:hidden; display:none}

Try another format

Wikis Let’s get take a “Wiki Walk-Thru”“Wiki Walk-Thru” How are wikis different than blogs?

Here are some sample wikis Grade 1-2 wiki Wiki story Grade 2 wiki 8 th grade history class French class wiki Wiki as a school website

Let’s try a wiki. Go to

GLOGS What is a glog? Sample GlogsGlogs The Giver Mammal project Angles Internet safety Character Education Now try one of your own.

Voicethread Voicethread is an audio blog. It allows for discussion and comments between participants. It is a slideshow that incorporates narration and the ability to comment either through text or sound.

Sample Voicethreads Sample voicethread lessons 3 rd grade poetry Character Education 4 th Grade history/literature lesson Tutorials Other ideas Explore Voicethread on your own. Go to

Google Docs This is a tool that can be used by groups of students or students and the teacher. Students can create word documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. You must have a Google Gmail account in order to use this feature. Students can work simultaneously using a chat feature to collaborate. Let’s see how it works:

Skype Or Google Chat It is a way to bring experts into the class. Authors that Skype Skype is in the process of setting up an educational registry. See this page to sign up: Google Chat Google Chat is an alternative for schools that block access to Skype.

ePals Sample of ePals collaboration opportunities

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Angel Somers (732) ext 1254