Creating an Online Collaborative Learning Environment Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA) 2009 Conference Dr. Odin Jurkowski 07.09.2009 1:00 pm Room 63 Last updated 07.08.09 1 hr (need to include time for questions) Presenter introduction and background Program Coordinator and Dept Chair 7 years at UCM Taught in LIS and now INST, hybrid and online Overview of the presentation Why I see this is important and how I try to bring this into my own classes http://faculty.ucmo.edu/jurkowski/collaboration.pptx

Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies (U.S. Dept of Education) It was the combination of elements in the treatment conditions (which was likely to have included additional learning time and materials as well as additional opportunities for collaboration) that produced the observed learning advantages. At the same time, one should note that online learning is much more conducive to the expansion of learning time than is face-to-face instruction. (p. xvii) http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf

Collaboration Collaboration in Education - two or more co-equal individuals voluntarily bring their knowledge and experiences together by interacting toward a common goal for the betterment of their educational success. Collaboration platform - a unified electronic platform that supports synchronous and asynchronous communication through a variety of devices and channels. Collaboration vs communication

Constructivism / Social Learning Theories Dewey – social: hands-on, real-world Vygotsky – culture: scaffolding Piaget – social maturation: stages of development Bruner – environment: exploration and manipulation of objects Gardner – multiple intelligences Behaviorist: CAI, learn from a book Vs Social learning, need for teachers and other students to interact

Moore’s Theory of Transactional Distance Learner – Content Learner – Instructor Learner – Learner Michael Moore

Considerations Building community – Online ice breakers (Engaging the Online Learner by Conrad & Donaldson) Whole class or groups within a class More or less structure Teacher involvement Checklist for an effective icebreaker: Fun / non threatening Person focused Requires each to read all the posts Find something in common Imaginative Required Social networks

Types of Collaboration Discussion Collaborative knowledge construction Group Projects

1. Discussions Weekly Let them choose among a set of questions to respond to Define a time frame for posting Define number of posts and responses Instructor must jump in and be present This takes the place of traditional classroom conversation Shy students may speak up Have to deal with lurkers

2. Constructing Knowledge Utilize a shared tool (wiki or Google Doc) to co-edit/write Provide the structure and expectations Monitor for involvement Wikipedia Low end – instructor starts a wiki and invites students to join in High end – graded assignments, group projects, short to almost book like

3. Group Projects Real world experience Similar issues with group dynamics whether online or f2f classes

Group Projects – Old Way Meet before class Meet during class Meet after class Meet another day Talk on the phone

Common Course Management Tools Blackboard Discussion Board Messages Collaboration (chat) Group Pages Group Discussion Board File Exchange Chat Email

Synchronous Chat / IM Second Life Phone Skype ITV F2F

Asynchronous Wiki http://www.wikispaces.com http://pbworks.com/academic.wiki

Synchronous / Asynchronous Google Docs - http://docs.google.com Document Presentation Zoho - http://www.zoho.com EtherPad - http://etherpad.com

Tips Start early Understand that it takes more time online Maintain frequent contact Use a wiki type tool for brainstorming and organization Pick a topic, assign roles, set dates and targets

Other Possibilities Social Networking Tools Other Facebook Ning Google Wave http://wave.google.com/help/wave/about.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itc4253kjhw

Contact Information Dr. Odin Jurkowski Chair, Department of Career & Technology Education Associate Professor & Program Coordinator, Educational Technology University of Central Missouri Grinstead 120 Warrensburg MO 64093 660.543.8387 jurkowski@ucmo.edu http://faculty.ucmo.edu/jurkowski http://www.ucmo.edu/edtech http://www.ucmo.edu/cte