The Internet As A Tool for Communication Mark Grabe
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-2 What is the Internet? n A network of networks n Operating in an agreed-on manner. u TCP/IP n IP Number - unique computer address n Domain name - word equivalent to IP number - grabe.psych.und.nodak.edu
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-3 School Access n Schools have made major commitment to Internet n Nearly all schools are connected n 84% of classrooms in connected schools are connected
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-4 Roles for the Internet n Tool for communication - exchange information with others n Tool for inquiry - search for resources to solve information problems n Tool for construction - outlet for products summarizing learning experience
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-5 Communication Tools n Asynchronous u u Mailing Lists u Conferences n Synchronous u Chat u Videoconferencing
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-6 Tools for Asynchronous Communication n Asynchronous - participants need not interact in real time
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-7 Tool - n System for creating, sending, receiving, and storing messages n Most common Internet activity n Operates on client-server model u Client typically on personal computer u Client communicates with a server to carry out tasks
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-8 Tool - Mailing Lists n Message sent by one to server forwarded to all list members n Allows group discussion through e- mail system
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-9 Tool - Conferences n Messages posted to a site (Internet Address) n Must visit site to view messages n Messages typically organized by topic n Messages organized hierarchically within topic to show sequence of comments on comments
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-10 Tool For Synchronous Communication n Synchronous - communication in “real time” - participants connected to Internet at same time.
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-11 Tool - Chat n Keyboard conversation among two or more individuals n Participation often controlled through buddy list
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-12 Tool - Videoconferencing n Synchronous audio and video n Do not have high expectations for inexpensive systems u Requires sense of adventure
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-13 Activity Structures n Harris - teachers identify project “types” rather than find specific project to duplicate u Adapt a structure to your classroom and content
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-14 Activity Structures n Interpersonal exchange - encourage conversation n Information collection - participants contribute data for analysis n Problem-solving - interaction focused on specified problem
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-15 CMC Advantages n Place independent n Can be time independent n Impact on discussion u Larger proportion contribute u Time to think before contributing (synchronous forms)
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-16 CMC Disadvantages n Keyboarding skills impose limitations - inefficiencies n Lack of cues associated with insensitive remarks and unproductive behaviors
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-17 Skills in Facilitating Online Discussion n Technical role n Social role n Managerial role n Pedagogical role
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-18 Technical Role n First contact for problems with software u Use the system as a student u Create a FAQ to cover common problems u Allow students to learn system before application
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-19 Social Role n Students may not have met participants face to face n Effective interaction encouraged by social presence u Ice breaker activities u Photos and personal descriptions u Private messages to participants
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-20 Managerial Role n Procedures to be followed u Identify purpose u Structure for discussion n Participation management u Encourage nonparticipants u Respond to inappropriate participants F Too many comments F Inappropriate comments Private comments are best
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.5-21 Pedagogical Role n Evaluation to influence learner activity n Scaffolding through use of guiding questions n Modeling critical thinking and problem-solving