1. Moderating a Computer Conference
Marc Bélanger
Program for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV)
ILO International Training Centre
Turin, Italy

2. Moderating a Computer Conference
Discussion agenda:
Online learning vs. Online Education
An Online Pedagogy
Designing an Educational Conference
Moderating a Conference >

3. Online Learning vs. Online Education
Learning is the self-paced incorporation of existing ideas into an individual’s knowledge maps.
Education
Education is the creation of new knowledge by groups of people working collaboratively, in discussions, to leverage knowledge existing in the group. >

4. An Online Pedagogy
The goal is to use a computer-mediated educational space for educational activities.
Knowledge-Building
Collaborative Work
Active Learning Techniques >

5. An Online Pedagogy Knowledge building is at the core of education
Knowledge building is the creation of new knowledge by groups of people working collaboratively. >

6. An Online Pedagogy
Collaborative work is essential to online education.
Collaborative work:
adds to the group’s bank of knowledge
helps individuals learn new skills and concepts
creates a sense of community
increases motivation >

7. An Online Pedagogy Active Learning techniques
can be project or discussion based
leverages existing knowledge in the group
may use small group work
makes the instructor a co-learner >

8. An Online Pedagogy Teaching to What Level? Initiates
understand basic concepts and vocabulary
Just-In-Time Researchers
know where to find information
Organizers
can organize events concerning the subject >

9. Online Course Design Part 1
Choose Mode
pre- or post- classroom, or completely online
Schedule a Technical Orientation
Duration
normally two months but can vary
Number of Participants
between 10 and 20 >

10. Online Course Design Part 2
Number of Conferences
Café Help Course Workshop Resources
Organizing the Conference Schedule
Weekly, by topic
May include time for field work
Expected number of Messages
depends on writing ability of participants
Two line messages per week

11. Online Course Design Part 3
vs Conferencing
All substantive discussions should be held in the conference area.
If contacted by the facilitator should say the conference is the place for discussion.
should be used for
contacting the participants
providing technical support
cajoling for participation >

12. Moderating Tips Provide clear goals and expectations.
Pose questions to focus discussion.
Encourage discussion-promoting comments.
Always recognize participant contributions.
Use names as much as possible.
Correct misinformation.
Make threading comments, to summarize and focus.
Organize group work efficiently.
Develop good online etiquette. >