How do you make your online classroom work?
Things like walking up and tapping a distracted student on the shoulder don't work over the internet, and you certainly can't send an unruly adult in the forums to go talk to the principal! So, how do you keep your class or training session running smoothly?
**Edit: I can't post this video in the comments, so I've gone back and added it here - a detailed view of how a facilitator might run a synchronous online classroom:**
Facilitators should employ certain qualities when facilitating online learning. Instead of singling out a participant, facilitators can discuss concerns in the participants individual forums, which gives participants some privacy or student-facilitator connection. Facilitators can review participants assignments and post strengths and weaknesses for future assignments. Facilitators can manage communication from others online making sure teams are collaborating. Facilitators can be an assistance or guide to the learners if him or her need additional help navigating through the online tools.
ReplyDeleteThose are definitely skills every facilitator should use, whether synchronous or a-synchronous.
ReplyDeleteHere are some synchronous-specific strategies:
* Use whiteboard for collaboration and emphasis
* Use emoticons to ask for immediate feedback from students
* Use your visuals carefully - Make sure that they are relevant, and not just decorative. Visuals can include things that would normally be handouts, presentations, or references.
* Archive! We mentioned this in other comments - saving your webcast and the chats is invaluable for your students.
* Use audio and video - You use live feeds of your computer screen, or yourself, or the material you're working on to keep the class engaged, relevant, and provide immediacy. Your participants will feel more connected if they can see and hear you and each other.
* Set expectations and procedures - Just like in a real classroom, participants need to know how to interact: when it's ok to ask a question, when they should type and when they should use the microphone, how to let you know if they need help or that they understand.
**References: Oakes, K., & Rengarajan, R. (2002). E-LEARNING. T+D, 56(9), 57. Retrieved from EbscoHOST.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxY22IhbaH4&feature=related)**
Specific strategies for asynchronous learning are:
ReplyDelete1. use discussion forum format for reflection and feedback
2. use interactive PowerPoint presentations
3. use advanced technology for auditory learners who benefit from electronic books being read aloud
4. establish ownership for projects or assignments from the beginning
5. critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills should be emphasized through case studies or simulations to promote goal-based exploration
6. provide intrinsic motivators such as corrective feedback to personal growth or a sense of accomplishment through the use of individualized instruction-controlling the learning environment(student-centered)
7. maintain collaboration through communities(team forums)
8. use of concept maps to help participants organize content as a cognitive tool
References: Prestera G. E. & Moller, L. A. (2001). Facilitating asynchronous distance learning. Penn State University. Retrieved from http://frank.mtsu.edu/~itconf/proceed01/3.html