Shall We Collaborate?

What’s Missing? “Though more connected than any previous generation, many online learners report feeling something is missing from their educational experience.” Boyers, J.M. (2013, September). Online Done Right: The importance of human interaction for student success. elearnmag.acm.org. Retrieved November 11, 2013.

Collaboration is Key “Quality online learning builds on an exchange of ideas by providing and encouraging regular, consistent interaction that is so vital to mastering new concepts. Well-structured courses, with high levels of interactivity, enable students to expand their horizons beyond their geographical constraints and the limits of a brick-and-mortar classroom.” Boyers, J.M. (2013, September). Online Done Right: The importance of human interaction for student success. elearnmag.acm.org. Retrieved November 11, 2013.

Common Concerns How am I going to connect with my online students? How can I get my online students to work together? How can I create a sense of community in my virtual classroom?

Strategic Planning Quality Matters Rubric Standard 5 – Learner Interaction and Engagement 5.1 The learning activities promote the achievement of the stated learning objectives. 5.2Learning activities provide opportunities for interaction that support active learning. 5.3The instructor’s plan for classroom response time and feedback on assignments is clearly stated. 5.4The requirements for student interaction are clearly articulated.

Communicating Announcements /Messages Discussion Boards Wikis Blogs/Journals Collaborate

Announcements

Discussion Boards

Wikis

Collaborate Web conferencing tool Two-Way Audio Multi-Point Video Interactive Whiteboard Application and Desktop Sharing Session Recording

Collaborate Tools Whiteboard (lecture/discussion) Application Sharing (demonstration) Web Tour (exploratory)

In the Classroom Polling (encourage interaction) Student moderators (presentations) Breakout rooms (group projects)

Around Campus Online workshops Virtual office hours Faculty/departmental meetings

Conversion Strategy Frequent communication/explanation Face-to-face workshops Online workshops Virtual office hours One-on-one training

Collaborate Poll Do you currently use a web conferencing tool in your online courses? Yes No

Discussion Your experience engaging online learners Creating community in the virtual classroom Using synchronous tools in your online course

Thank You! Chontel Delaney, Instructional Design Specialist Sharon Felegie, Director, Instructional Design Services