4. In our work in this thread we focus on the element of Community Building and its
integral role in the development and delivery of E-Learning. As I reflected on this
topic, I was struck by the change in view that has emerged with E-Learning over the
last decade. While online education started out as an outcropping of distance
learning, an isolating educational experience, it has developed into this rich blend of
approaches and design options that can allow even closer collaboration than we see in
most face to face courses.
When I think back to my time in the physical classroom, I was forced to talk with
30 or 40 students at a time in many courses. I could only offer a group oriented
statement or one directed at the needs of an individual. Online, I am able to provide
both in a manner that appears simultaneous, according to the asynchronous time
flow of the course. I can post guidance to the course as a whole, post in a discussion
directed to the entire course, and respond to personal notes and emails to address the
questions and concerns of the students. No longer do I need to balance the needs of
one student with the needs of others.
When we look at online collaboration, how can we capitalize on these strengths?
How can we support the students in their collaboration as it is occurring?
5. Robert Ubell examines the
move to the online
environment and its effect on
teambuilding in light of
Dewey’s focus on experiential,
student led learning. As you
review this article reflect on
your view of the instructor’s
role in the online classroom.
Did you agree with Ubell’s
assessment? Why or why not?
Communication
Email
Discussion Forums
Teambuilding
Orchestration
Facilitation
6. Hodge and Collins explore the role of
VirtualWorlds in the classroom. They
look at the positives that are possible as
we design a rich world of exploration
and collaboration.
As you review this article, do you
think that they look at the potential
obstacles and challenges thatVirtual
Worlds present? What additional
information could they include that
would help you to apply the information
in the real world?
7. Learning
Community
Teach
Collaboration
Questions
that Explore
BuildingTrust
Develop over
time
Work to
Include
Participants
Draw on
Outside
Resources
Focus on the
Learning
Ullman picks up where
Ubell left off. She
discusses distinct steps
that you can take to
build a professional
learning community.
This article pertains to a
group of teachers
working together. Do
you think that these
factors apply in other
arenas? Why or why
not?
8. This assignment requires
that you reference two
sources in addition to the
course text. Where do you
go to find credible sources
for your academic work?
Do you have a favorite
database that you like to
access for articles?
9. The Content Criteria
requires that you
express your own
opinion supporting
that opinion with
evidence / reasoning
that is logical and
convincing.
How will you ensure
that you meet each
aspect of this
element?
How can you
effectively draw on
your outside
references here to
support your
opinion?
When you review
your answer to each
question, can you
clearly identify your
opinion?
10. What detail do you need to provide
to demonstrate critical analysis of
the topic?
What element(s) evidences critical
thinking?
What are the key elements of the
questions you have selected to
answer?
11. Creativity and
Innovation
Communication
and Collaboration
Research and
Information
Fluency
Critical Thinking,
Problem solving,
and Decision
Making
Digital Citizenship
Technology
Operations and
Concepts
As you reflect on these standards and your experience as a student,
do you find that your courses have brought together a variety of these
standards? Have you had more experience with some of these standards
than others? How will your experience as a student affect your work in
design?
12. When we talk about creating a learning
environment, one of my favorite all timeTEDTalks
by Sir Ken Robinson on the creation of personalized
learning environments springs immediately to
mind.This video stresses the need to create a
learning environment that meets the needs of the
individual student.
Does this concept stand in opposition to the need
to collaborate? Can we build a true collaborative
environment without addressing the needs and
strengths of each member of the community? How
will you ensure that you are meeting your students’
needs as individuals?
In my own classroom I seek to bring in a variety of
activities that allow each student take on a
leadership role at different moments. As I work
through an activity in person with a group of
students, I observe the class and look for the
student or group who needs my support. When
they need support, I work to provide the minimum
support necessary to get them on track. Why
would I provide the minimum? Would you as well?
Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution!
