Online Icebreakers

Online Icebreaker Fun and non-threatening Person-focused (not content-focused) Requires learners to read one-another entries Requires learners to find something in common with others Requires person to express genuine emotions and openness Requires learners to respond to one-another

Bingo You will be emailed bingo card with each members name in one square. We will play bingo based on last week's introductions and bios. Mark each square as you determine the correct answer. Post your responses to threaded discussion within 24 hours. Instructor will later post correct responses. Winners, based on speed to submit and correctness of responses will be announced.

Classmate Quiz During the first week everybody posts introductions. A quiz will be held during the second week of the class to see what you have learned. Send your responses directly to instructor. Bonus points will be awarded for each correct response.

Lineup Score yourself 1 to 10 on following items: I am a sports expert I like cooking I love to read I am interested in subject matter of this course I feel comfortable with computers Look for an individual with scores closest to yours. See what other things you have in common. You will then intorduce this person to the group.

Lost in Space You have been living in a space station. Suddenly computers malfunction and you have 15 minutes to evacuate into space shuttle. You can take 5 items with you. As fast as you can type 5 items you would take in the chat room – as fast as you can, no reflection. After everybody entered their items, you all read through them and everybody explains reasons for their choices.

Name That Movie Post a 2-3 sentence response to the following: If you were to write the score to the movie of your life which two songs would you pick and why? Based on the answers, suggest a movie title for each person followed by one sentence explanation. Consider all suggested titles for your movie. Select the one that would fit you best and explain why.

One Word Think of one word that best describes you or your life. Enter your name and the word in the subject line and then explain reasons. Find another person whose word resonates with you. Respond to this person's message and find out what else you have in common.

Portrait You are to create self-portrait to share with your instructor and classmates. Use graphic program or crayons and paper. If you get desperate, find a picture in a magazine that describes you. You can't use your own photo. Upload result of your efforts and explain hwo you did it and why...

Room with a View Describe in vivid detail the view from your favorite window. Include biographic details (I am looking at a lake where...) Read what others have written and respond to two classmates postings indicating why you would like to trade places with them for a day.

Snowball One person posts introduction including his/her interests. A second person posts introduction and finds one thing in common with the first one. Third person posts introduction and finds something common with the first and the second. Following people have to find something in common with at least three others

Truths and Lies Enter two truthful statements and one falsehood about yourself Be as outrageous as possible Each member of the group than has to guess which one is the false statement. Once all responses have been received post your truths and explain why you choose to share them

What kind of animal? Choose an animal that represents you. Put your name and animal in the subject line and then list 4 characteristics of the animal you have chosen Find someone else who matches two of your characteristics. Together create animal that has your two shared characteristics and two new ones. Name the animal. Post animal's name and characteristics to the board Provide feedback to several of your peers on animals they created.

Why are We Together? Prior to this activity you completed and initial profile form for the instructor Based on your profile, instructor assigned you to a group of 4-5 people Using discussion board or chat room, you have to find out why you were grouped together. Also, are there other things you have in common that were not listed in the profile? Share your findings

Conrad, R. M. , Donaldson, J. A. (2004) Engaging the Online Learner Conrad, R.M., Donaldson, J.A. (2004) Engaging the Online Learner. Activities and Resources for Creative Instruction. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA