Module 4- Engaging Learners

http://erash.wikispaces.com/Graphic+Organizer+for+Module+4

Above you will find a link to a graphic organizer, created to illustrate the techniques and methods used in an online classroom. These techniques and methods are ones that are being used in online settings around the world. In addition, these are techniques and methods that are used in my personal learning experience. Therefore, the effectiveness of these methods have been tested and proven.

Module 3: Assessing Colloborative Efforts

When it comes to distance learning the main portion of your grades are generated from collaboration. Let's think about it, when put side by side with a traditional classroom, assessing is conducted differently. In a traditional classroom, you have face to face meetings, group work, face to face discussions, and other methods. However, in a distance learning environment, collaboration is key and vital. WE are in an age where traditional assessments are out and newer, fresher, and more student oriented modes of learning and assessing are taking over.

According to Palloff and Pratt, collaboration is a form of constructivism in that the process promotes initiative, creativity, critical thinking skills, and dialogue on the part of the learners (2005). When collaboration takes place, individuals with various levels of experience and knowledge come together to share information. I like to look at it as each person is bringing a slice to the pie. Therefore, an instructor must measure or assess collaboration based on certain guidelines or requirements.

This can be done in the form of criteria or guidelines. On way in which I have seen this done is in the form of a rubric. With this, individuals know what is expected of them and work to satisfy those guidelines. Therefore, fairness and consistency is not questioned.

If it comes a time when a group member does not want to participate or actively engage themselves in the learning community, it is the responsibility of the other group members to rally together to get the task completed. In essence, when one quits, the team must go on to get the job done. The instructor needs to be notified of the plan sought out by the group and the assurance that the assignment will be completed. The decision to deal with the group member who does not participate, will lie solely in the hands of the instructor.

References:

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2007). Building online learning communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

There are three elements that make distance education what it is, global diversity, communication and collaborative interaction (Siemens, 2009). All three of these areas are highly
important to distance education. However, I believe that the element of collaborative interaction is most important.

Distance education has become very popular. This is due to individuals having experiences communicating online (Siemens, 2009). This provides individuals with a sense of comfort and reliability for their newly established relationships. One of the great advantages of distance learning is the interaction amongst the instructors and students. From China to New York, distance learning has provided individuals with the opportunity to collaborative with one another beyond means. This provides insight into other worlds that are similar to yours. In addition, lessons are learned, insight is given, and true learning takes place. We must admit, we learn from others experiences and actions.

To aid and assist in the collaboration of distance learning, several sites and programs have been developed. Now, students are able to communicate through blogging, podcasting, chatting, wikis, video conferencing, and video conferencing just to name a few, In essence, this makes collaboration easier and more accessible to all.

Siemens, George. (2009) The Future of Distance Education. Retrieved on September 27, 2009.