CREATING COMMUNITY Sandra D. McBride AET/541 October 06, 2014 Style image Citation: http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts/2013-01-18/Understanding-Your-Student-s-Learning-Style-The-Theory-of-Multiple-Intelligences.aspx Sandra D. McBride AET/541 October 06, 2014 Gregory Jackson

INTRODUCTION In order for an online learning environment to be successful, the instructor has to provide a comfortable and positive learning environment. Humor, tends to “enhance learning, reduce stress, improve attention, and increase self motivation” (Eskey, 2010). Incorporating humor builds a bond between the student and instructor which makes the student feel more comfortable and the instructor will seem more approachable. Instructors have to make it a point to go out of their way to “find and use humorous material in their courses” (Eskey, 2010).

SOCIAL MEDIA Using social media in online classrooms creates an environment where students are able to share pictures, build camaraderie, and get to know each other. Examples are Twitter, Face Book, Skype, and Blogs. Image from : http://www.graphicsfuel.com/2013/03/popular-social-media-icons-psd-png/

Ice breakers Ice breakers help the instructor to get to know his/her students and for students to get to know each other. Ice breakers that have been utilized in a traditional classroom and can be incorporated in an online learning environment. Image from : http://makegreat.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IceBreakers.jpg

ICE BREAKERS, CONT. According to Wilfrid Laurier University (n.d.) the use of icebreakers has many benefits and uses, such as: Models and encourages interactivity early in the term Sets a positive tone for the rest of the term Helps to foster a shared sense of purpose and community in the course Reduces the students sense of anonymity or isolation in any form of classroom Examples of icebreakers are: Two Truths and a Lie – students can introduce themselves and other students can guess which one is a lie. Students can share their personal interest and hobbies by posting their bios.

GAMES AND SIMULATIONS Gaming and simulations in the classroom according to Sharp (as cited by Salies, 2002) “help to increase memory, class performance, social benefits, and improving the transfer of learning.” (p. 43) Game and Simulation Examples: Jeopardy Who wants to be a Millionaire Both games can be used to test students’ knowledge individually or as learning teams by the instructor.

CONCLUSION There are several tools that can be used in an online learning environment to bring humor into the classroom through social media, ice breakers, games and simulations. These tools have been known to build camaraderie, help motivate, engage, and build a level of trust and comfort towards the instructor. Images from: http://www.offthemark.com http://www.glasbergen.com

Reference Eskey, M. (2010). Humor in online classrooms: New ways to learn and laugh. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/humor-in- online-classrooms-new-ways-to-learn-and-laugh/ Sharp, L. (2012). Stealth learning: Unexpected learning opportunities through games. Journal of Instructional Research. Vol 1, p. 42-48. Retrieved from https://cirt.gcu.edu/jir/documents/2012-v1/sharppdf Wilfrid Laurier University. (n.d.). Using icebreakers to create community. Centre for Teaching Innovation and Excellence. Retrieved from https://www.wlu.ca/documents/45655/Using_Icebreakers_to_Create_Community.pdf