Module 4
The Graphic Organizer
Thoughts
The
student learner has a number of needs and wants in the learning
experience. Shifting these desires to
the online or distance learning models, consideration needs to follow with
application of the technical tools. From
the academic standpoint, the goal is to communicate information that will be
grist for knowledge.
Students
need to know they will be respected in the online environment. Rules for interaction need to be clear and
forthright in conveying this. Positive
interaction does not mean there will not be disagreement, but does denote the
tenor of the discussion need remain civil (Durrington, Berryhill, & Swafford,
2006). We can always agree
to disagree, but the ability to contribute must be encouraged and developed to
foster discussion and interactivity in projects and the like.
The
difficulty here lies with adapting the instructional style for the
teacher. If face to face is the only
background, this new environment can be daunting. The instructor needs to establish the rules
clearly and loosen the reigns a bit to let the students interact in activities
like problem based learning and discussions.
In asynchronous environments the instructor should set the foundation
and step back. If the foundation is
supported by positive comments and private email instruction if major errors
are present the benefit will be higher participation and students learning from
each other (Durrington et al., 2006; Siemens, 2008)
References:
Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., &
Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for
enhancing student interactivity in an
online environment.
College Teaching, 54(1), 190-193. doi:Article
Curatorial
Teaching. (2008). 10
minute lectures. Retrieved from
http://www.archive.org/details/10MinuteLectures-
GeorgeSiemens-CuratorialTeaching
