I really appreciated the article on our course website that compared the online dicsussion forum to a dinner party. I use online discussions in a couple of the courses that I teach, and I wish I had this list when I started using them! I knew the role of the instructor was very important in facilitating an effective online discussion, but I didn't realize all of the ways that I could foster a collaborative learning environment through these discussions. What I found to be very interesting is that how and WHEN the instructor jumps in the discussion is very important. There seems to be a perfect balance needed in order to be effective.
As I evaluate myself on some of the suggestions given in the article, I think I do a great job with responding to everyone and to adding some delicious (AKA meaningful content) to the discussion. An area that I struggle with is spending proportionate time with every guest. There are just some students who add such richness to the discussion that it seems very easy to respond to them. For the students who do not participate to their fullest potential, it can be difficult to add meaningful content to what they have contributed. I know I really need to work on supporting these students.
In the online course I am creating, I also want to do a better job with starting a new conversation when one is stale. I think this is where it is important as the instructor to know when to jump in. I don't want to jump in too soon and potentially end a rich conversation between students, but I also don't want the discussion to simply stop either so that students discontinue checking the conversation.
All in all, this was a great way to remind me of some important tips for online discussions. Unfortunately, in past classes that I have been in, not many of the instructors have participated so when I started an online forum, I was really unsure of how I should participate. This article affirmed that I do need to be involved and that I need to make sure I am including all students. In fact, on a course evaluation from adult students, many commented that they appreciated that I joined in their discussions because it made them feel that our course was a team effort. I feel that in a graduate program, we really are teammates in learning so the online forum is a wonderful tool to use.
I am glad to hear that you are going to be covering the actual writing of an IEP -- I was struggling (time wise) with how to fit this component into my course....
ReplyDeleteI read on Pete's post that you are using Temple's movie. Is this something you are showing in class - or have you found a way to upload it into your class. I have figured out how to use YouTube - but would like to have students watch the Richard Levoie movies but don't know how I would be able to imbed them into the lesson.
Irene,
DeleteYes, I do cover the IEP. That really is the "meat" of my class. It sounds like some definite course mapping is needed to make sure we are not repeating concepts or leaving anything important out. From the sounds of our conversations, I think we are all a little unsure and hesitant about what to include/not include. I am looking forward to reading all of the syllabi to see where we need to tweak.
In regards to the Temple movie, I currently show that in my undergraduate classes in the Adult Studies Program. These are in person classes so I show clips from my DVD. I usually show various clips and do discussions or other activities in between that relate to the clip.I do know the Rick Lavoie DVD's are on You Tube, so that could be something you easily add to your course website to have students watch.
I agree that it's important for the instructor to let students know that he or she is reading everything and to have a presence in an online discussion. Like you, I don't want to "intrude" in what may be a lively discussion, but I do want to steer the conversation in a way that gets to the meat of the issue. I don't mind students getting sidetracked, but I don't want them to stay there.
ReplyDeleteIn my ed psych class I use my comments to get students to think more deeply about an issue. Often my comments are in question form; I sort of prod students to expand and explain what they mean or to give an example of what they are talking about.
I like your comments too about our learning as a team effort. I think it's great when an instructor can acknowledge learning from the students.
Becca,
ReplyDeleteI too loved the "dinner party" idea, though I rarely have time for them these days. The analogy is great and one I would like to share with my students so that they too can throw great "dinner parties" for their students.