Online Community

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Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1241] Online community
From: jataylor_at_utk.edu
Date: Tue Mar 30 2004 - 08:59:57 EST

Hello everyone!
I agree with Nickie, there certainly has been a lot of discussion for the first day! In all that we have shared thus far, what themes seem to be emerging?

I noticed that many of us made reference to the importance of interactive learning environments. Jane, you noted, “The one negative comment that I have is that the discussion board was, for the most part, a dead zone. My classmates only posted what was required. No real discussion took place though we were encouraged to use it actively to query and learn from each other.” While Beth, you shared how you missed the camaraderie that developed among participants in a discussion board.

Jane, what could have been done differently to increase the interaction among participants? Beth, what did you take away from the experience that you otherwise would not have learned without the interaction? What are others' experiences with interaction and online community in distance education?

Nickie and others made reference to strategies for developing online learning communities. But first, why online community? How important is interactivity among students in distance education? Are we saying that for a successful distance education experience that interactivity among classmates must play a part? And if so, how much?

Thanks!

Jackie

Subject: Re: Online community
From: jmencer_at_famlit.org
Date: Tue Mar 30 2004 - 10:18:18 EST

You asked, "what could have been done differently to increase the interaction among participants?" That's a great question! I think that there are a few things that might have positively impacted the quality and quantity of discussion on our discussion board:

1. We could have been placed in smaller groups and been asked to read and respond to the postings of only those learners' in our group, instead of the entire class. Then, perhaps, a spokesperson for the group could have summarized for the other group what had happened on their discussion board and vice versa. It can be daunting to have to read every classmate's project summaries, for example.
2. The instructor could have used the discussion board exclusively for sharing documents that we needed for the course. Instead, he (very conveniently, I might add) sent them to our home or work e-mail accounts. Unfortunately for the viability of the discussion board, we didn't always have an incentive to log on to check the board.
3. Perhaps if we had been assigned to read and post on the discussion board frequently and early in the course, as learners we might have developed the habit of logging in and have come to see the board for it's potential value to us. As I said earlier, as a class, we did respond to requirements, just not to optional activities.

Hindsight's 20/20, isn't it?

Jane

Subject: Re: Online Community
From: jerej_at_umich.edu
Date: Tue Mar 30 2004 - 11:03:24 EST

Hello everyone!
I agree with Nickie, there certainly has been a lot of discussion for the first day! In all that we have shared thus far, what themes seem to be emerging?
"I noticed that many of us made reference to the importance of interactive learning environments. Jane, you noted, “The one negative comment that I have is that the discussion board was, for the most part, a dead zone. My classmates only posted what was required. No real discussion took place though we were encouraged to use it actively to query and learn from each other.” While Beth, you shared how you missed the camaraderie that developed among participants in a discussion board.

Facilitation, facilitation, facilitation... I think it requires a person whose responsibility is to keep the discussion moving, picking up on comments...just like Jackie does on this listserv

It's no different than a classroom where a teacher "works" the room to get people involved, playing off one set of ideas against another and inviting comments. It's just a little more challenging without eye contact and with longer times between comments.

J E R O M E J O H N S T O N
Institute for Social Research - University of Michigan
Program on Teaching, Learning and Technology
734/763-3079 (734) 615-6638 (fax) jerej_at_umich.edu

Subject: Re: Online Community
From: cfranc2_at_ilstu.edu
Date: Tue Mar 30 2004 - 11:30:32 EST

Hello Jackie and all,

I was away from the office yesterday and discovered your post and Jere's this morning. I completely agree with Dr. Johnston's comments concerning bulletin boards/discussion groups. In order for them to be successful and engaging they require mindful facilitation. I find in my own life that those venues that "call to me" and are kept "alive" are the ones where I participate. I don't think I'm alone in this respect. Like any classroom...they must be "worked" as Jere mentioned.

In working with students using distance learning methods I find that the students really must be self directed. This desire to self motivate seems key. Many of our students are just not a good fit. I find that younger students may possess the tech skills but they are deficient in motivation. Sometimes these obstacles can be overcome through guidance. I have found that in our Online GED Illinois system that many students of all ages really benefit from a blended approach. They have the classroom experience and are able to continue their GED preparation off-site. Many students have PC's in their homes and are interested in working independently in the privacy and convenience of their homes. They can also work at libraries, One Stop Centers, Community Technology Centers and in some cases churches. This really helps a students stay connected to their studies/goals. It depends on the student!

I so appreciate this venue of discussion and will stay engaged. Thank you!

peace,

Chris

Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1247] RE: Online community
From: bwheeler_at_sbctc.ctc.edu
Date: Tue Mar 30 2004 - 11:36:10 EST

good morning,
from the great conversations on the discussion board i learned more than I thought i would about the other students in the class. i was surprised how much of a person's personality comes through in written, informal conversation - not always the positive aspects. the greatest lesson i took from the experience is when communicating through the discussion board it is important to respect fellow students as much - or more - than in a f2f classroom. the instructor was a great mentor in adding positive comments/feedback that kept discussions fresh and interesting.

beth wheeler

Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1251] RE: Online community
From: Moore, Shelley L. (smoore2_at_lhup.edu)
Date: Tue Mar 30 2004 - 11:58:40 EST

Hello,

It is my experience that the discussion board and the virtual classroom tools in Blackboard are some of the favorites of course participants. These are two of the tools that allow the participants to feel "connected" to their classmates and the instructor.

I agree with Beth, you certainly can get great feel for someone's personality even through the discussion board. And when the instructor monitors the progress and tone of the discussion, they can provide educational comments, feedback, and different perspectives that help keep the discussion interesting and ongoing. It is my feeling that when facilitated properly, an online discussion can surpass the quality of discussion that can happen in a face to face classroom.

Shelley Moore
West Branch Technology Center
110 East Bald Eagle Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
Phone (570) 893-4038 Fax (570) 748-1598

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