Enhancing Learning and Creating Community Using Wimba Classroom Hannah German The Lookstein Center, Bar-Ilan University

LearningCommunity

What is Community? Some characteristics: a sense of shared purpose norms of community behavior interaction amongst members trust, respect and support P. Vesely et al. (2007). Key elements of building online community: Comparing faculty and student perceptions. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 3 (3).

The Challenge

Learner Anxiety expectations technical know-how behaviors peer perception other responsibilities

Transactional Distance Michael Moore structure vs. dialog typical TD: changing content asynchronous communication Images from Encyclopedia of Educational Technology, SDSU Department of Educational Technology,

Isolation independent schools are isolated no social networking no collaboration cited as significant factor in drop-out rates

Strategies

Participant Training older population level-playing field = invisible platform human element = reassurance, a contact, humor ground rules and behaviors depending on needs: individual training optional group training – sometimes includes CMS appshare archive of recorded training

Instructor Training new and different role system behaviors design – use of features video archive of an interactive session instructor guide live audience

Course Structure standard meeting times office hours IM is still impersonal and harder to “read” share/clarify course content, assignments, web increased learner turnout lurkers still absorb and will interact with each other individualized sessions via breakout rooms careful of monopolization; instructor’s time? open rooms group assignments - collaboration water cooler - share experiences

Interactivity 1. Setting the Stage create expectations of involvement questions/whiteboard activity everyone can answer/do ground rules if introductions, keep brief model behavior – if possible, colleague

Interactivity cont ’ 2. Incorporate features gradually ease participants in over a number of sessions use yes/no buttons and chat first then microphone, if available – many are uncomfortable model video tell participants in advance if using video

Interactivity cont ’ 3. Discussions plan provocative questions – Devil’s advocate read comments out loud or paraphrase student roles survey vs. whiteboard natural discussion vs. selecting participants to speak vs. go around the room express need for full range of ideas/opinions, not always consensus

Interactivity cont ’ 4. Assignments presentations use break-out rooms and monitor behaviors review homework assignments

Overcoming the Challenges

Learning & Community Support of variety of learning styles & methods Reinforcement of content Clarification of content Human element Increased interaction amongst learners, instructors, and content Increased peer support Shared sense of purpose