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In the terms of education interaction and collaboration in online learning are still in its infant state. However, (Draves, 2002) noted that it’s the heart and soul of online learning (Oosterhof, Conrad, & Ely 2008). This being true the community of online learning must be one that has established the foundational core of the building blocks within an online atmosphere. As you know the building blocks of any community is based on communication. For this discussion you will discuss what you believe to be the most important elements in building an online community in a learning environment, as discussed in your text.
In your discussion highlight three factors that can weaken the establishing of the community.
In conjunction what steps could be taken to strengthen the building of the community into a cohesive group?
Finally, what are the positive impacts on the learner in this setting?
By Friday:
Post your comments to at least two of your colleagues’ blog posting; providing your thoughts on the above questions or statements. Ensure that you cite your sources within your post.
Download Rubric: Go to the following site click on file, then download document into your desired format. : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b9Ni7l0X2rE2AH-3J4BEQMHYgn7DdfMZITj8H5pXBa4/edit?hl=en_US#
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An online environment is as strong as its participants. It is important that the instructor begins the course by developing a community where learners are actively engaged and interactive. Interactions should be learner to learner as well as instructor to learner. The community can thrive or it can deteriorate depending on the guidelines and routines that are established and maintained. The following factors can weaken a learning community:
ReplyDelete• The instructor is rarely present. If learners feel disconnected from the instructor, they may become indifferent and less engaged in the learning environment. Also, learners often need guidance and rely on support from their instructor to help them navigate through difficulties that are encountered.
• Instructors dominate the learning environment. “The faculty mentor is the director of the learning experience, not a sage on the stage transmitting knowledge…when the faculty member steps out in front of learners as a sage, the learner tends to retreat and be more passive…” (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010, p. 25).
• Unclear expectations result in minimized input or inconsistency. The learning environment suffers when learners are unsure about what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.
Strengthening an online environment entails developing online activities that promote collaboration and interaction. This can be attained by starting off the course with ice-breakers and interactions that encourage social engagement and community building. Another key step is explicitly stating expectations and creating rubrics to keep students abreast of what is expected of them. “A rubric is a scoring tool that lists the criteria for a piece of work, or "what counts"…it also articulates gradations of quality for each criterion, from excellent to poor” (Goodrich, 2007). In addition, prompt feedback is an important component. While there are automated systems that may provide instant feedback to learners, Boettcher & Conrad, (p. 176) asserts:
The best feedback is personal and formative for learning…Personal feedback means that you are getting to know the student as a person and as a mind and that you are helping to shape and challenge the learning of the student.
Creating and maintaining these kinds of connections keep the learning community thriving and strong. When learners feel respected and supported, they are more likely to share valuable insights and experiences with fellow learners. This alone provides a positive impact for all engaged in the environment.
References
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Goodrich, H. (1997). Understanding rubrics. Educational Leadership , 54(4). Retrieved from http://www.middleweb.com/rubricsHG.html
Charisse
Hi Charisse,
ReplyDeleteYour comments on feedback are so correct. Feedback from the instructor in an online setting is very important. Informal or personal as you stated provides the learner with a sense of inclusion. This is an important factor in building the community. Everyone wants to feel accepted and this is even more important to online learners.
Karl