In online learning environments, it is critical for instructors to focus on increasing interactions between students and provide guidance in navigating resources and evaluating information. Siemens (2008) supports this view, explaining how “educators must assume dual roles: as experts with advanced knowledge of a domain and guides who foster and encourage learner exploration” (p. 17). He also explains how teachers act as the curator to provide learning resources for students to access the content and concepts necessary for their field. YouTube and podcasts are valuable ways to deliver information through video and audio. Programs such as Moodle, WebCT, and SoftChalk create online learning environments where educators can modify instructional tools within their course, as well as encourage students to communicate and collaborate.
It is important for students to learn to work individually and in groups through online courses. Durrington, Berryhill, and Swafford (2006) believe that, “to encourage high student interactivity in an online setting, the learning environment must be supportive, open, and respectful” (p. 191). Blogs, wikis, and Google Docs are tools that I have personally used for collaborating within my Walden courses. Blogs are a great way for students to share their ideas and receive feedback and opinions from peers and instructors. Wikis and Google Docs provide a great format for sharing resources and work, as well as promoting collaboration, with the added feature of others being able to modify the information. Project2Manage is a new tool meant for project management and collaboration, allowing students to share their work and future goals. Twiddla is also a technology tool I am researching more about, and it works as a whiteboard for online collaboration. Here students can browse, edit, share, and chat within groups.
In order for students to collaborate, there must be clear communication amongst the individuals working together, as well as individual communication with the instructor. With the advancements of the internet, there are multiple ways to send a single message. Durrington, Berryhill, and Swafford (2006) explain how, “even a private e-mail…builds a nurturing environment that encourages future participation and enhances the quality and depth of overall discussion” (p. 191). Instructors providing students with feedback and guidance will provide encouragement and remind students that their work and opinions are valued, which is not often seen in face to face classrooms. Facebook, Twitter, Skype, and instant messaging tools are all technology tools that students and instructors can use for effective communication anytime, resulting in successful collaboration and online learning.
This blog provides more information about the values of virtual classrooms versus traditional face to face classrooms. It examines collaboration in learning and the teaching methods used in both learning environments.
This blog explains how social networking tools such as YouTube, Google Docs, Facebook, and Twitter can also be used to support collaboration in online learning and the business world.
References
Bannerjee, G. (2011). Traditional and virtual classrooms- what’s the difference? Retrieved from http://www.wiziq.com/blog/traditional-and-virtual-classrooms/
Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190−193. Academic Search Premier database; Accession Number: 19754742
Hart, J. (2011). Do you really need separate social learning tools? Part two- 6 ways to integrate learning into the workflow. Retrieved from http://www.c4lpt.co.uk/blog/2011/10/25/do-you-really-need-separate-social-learning-tools-part-2-6-ways-to-integrate-learning-into-working/
Siemens, G. (2008, January). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum.
I am loving your graphic organizer! The information is presented in a very organized manner, including color coding. I initially paid more attention to the appearance than I did to the actual content. After reading the content, I see that you've identified some tools that I hadn't considered, such as instant messaging and Google docs. These are some of the tools that make communication and collaboration a possibility in the online environment.
ReplyDeleteOops, I forgot to mention that the "Anonymous" post was from Jessica Y. Green.
ReplyDeleteHi Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your graphic organizer. How did you manage to embed it in your post? I tried to do the same thing but was unsuccessful. The text was there but the graphic organizer did not appear. I had to copy and past into a Google Doc presentation for the organizer to show.
We also use Moodle at our school for collaborating with colleagues and other educators and sharing resources. If you don't mind me asking, what is Twiddia?
Brigit,
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to figure out and some collaborating with my husband, but I created the graphic organizer is Microsoft Word using Smart Art and shapes, then copied and pasted it into Paint. There, I saved it as an image and then inserted the image into my blog. Twiddla is like a blank whiteboard online where groups can meet and share ideas. I have recently researched it, but have not yet used it. You can read more about it at http://www.twiddla.com/ Thanks for reading!
Tiffany; I concur with the team as to your successful design, content and supporting referenced sources; with the myriad of sources and methods to collaborate, the on-line environment becomes less restrained towards an increased communication spectrum; very nicely done.
ReplyDeleteBest,
David