1. The document discusses developing a socially constructed self-paced online learning environment using the eLGG open source social networking system. 2. A recent study explored learners' preferences for interaction in such an environment and found that informal interactions like blogging were equally or more valuable than formal interactions like online discussions. 3. The conclusions indicate that not all forms of interaction are equally effective, and quality of interaction impacts quality of learning, so the specific context needs consideration when designing online learning environments.

1. Developing a Socially Constructed Self-Paced Learning Environment Jason Rhode, PhD www.niu.edu/~jrhode or

3. Introductory Ideas interaction self-paced learning emerging communication approaches social networking

6. Dron’s Theory of Transactional Control Dron, J. (2006). Social software and the emergence of control, The 6th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies. Kerkrade , The Netherlands. Retrieved March 23, 2007, from http://www. cmis . brighton .ac.uk/staff/jd29/papers/icalt2006.doc

7. Types of Interactions

8. Warburton’s 3D Matrix http://warburton.typepad.com/liquidlearning/2007/11/what-is-the-bes.html

9. Warburton’s 3D Matrix http://warburton.typepad.com/liquidlearning/2007/11/what-is-the-bes.html

10. Groups vs. Networks http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephen_downes/252157734/

11. Weblogs as a Learning Space http://eduspaces.net/csessums/files/-1/9894/weblogbrainstorming.jpg

12. Using Blogs in Education

13. Anatomy of a Socially Constructed Self-Paced Learning Environment

18. Community - cmuonet.org

19. Logged-In Access

20. Posting a New Entry

21. Friends

22. Communities

23. Tag Cloud

24. Course Blog Integration with Blackboard Course

33. Q&A Thank you for coming! This session is archived online at www.niu.edu/~jrhode Also, my email address is [email_address]