Using the information provided by this week’s learning resources (as well as one additional outside resource) discuss the following:
- What attributes constitute an effective online collaborative interaction?
- What are some of the early missteps associated with the formative period of collaborative online interactions?
- What are some of the current trends influencing the development of collaborative online interactions?
Please post to the discussion blog a summary of your thoughts and reactions to the above questions. Be sure to site your resources in order to validate your responses.
Discussion Link Rubric https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0S2WnzX9LQqQVFRa0NBakpqLWM/edit?usp=sharing
In order to have effective online interaction and collaboration, the design of the course must match the learning objectives in an authentic manner. Resources provided to students should enhance the understanding of the material and the time frame for completion along with clear instructions must be provided at the onset of the course. Students may become frustrated if the plan and method of assessment for the collaborative assignment are not shared with them or if the instructor seems to change their mind mid-way through the collaboration. Finally, the instructor must be ready to take on the role of encourager and facilitator to empower students to make the most of the collaborative experiences.
ReplyDeleteNew technologies provide methods for students to interact irregardless of time and place (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012). Smartphones are capable of web conferencing, computers can capture and transmit videos and files, and students can use chat to communicate their ideas to build their collaborative work.
References:
Simonson, M. Smaldino, S. Albright, M. & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundationsof distance education (5th Ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
Effective online collaboration occurs when all of the students contribute to the conversation and learning takes place. The learning that occurs is greater then the learning that students could achieve individually. As far as missteps, I think that some instructors or students expect collaboration to take off immediately in the beginning. Some students need time to warm up to collaboration. Instructors and students should be patient with one another so as to avoid over-pressuring a student. There are several new things happening with online collaboration. Technology is allowing students to be able to communicate synchronously from all over the world. Voice thread, Skype, and other programs allow students to keep in touch with relatively little expense.
DeleteTisch,
ReplyDeleteExcellent observations. Too often you find that the course design is counter-intuitive, which hampers the ability of learners to become authentically engaged in the collaborative activity.
Destiny,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input. In stating that students need time to warm up, I think that may be a simplistic view of what needs to take place. Do you think that there is anything that the instructor can do to assist with this process?
Hi Christopher,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to following your blog this session!