1. Creating an Online Collaborative Learning Environment Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA) Conference
Dr. Odin Jurkowski
1:00 pm
Room 63
Last updated
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

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. Types of Collaboration
Discussion
Collaborative knowledge construction
Group Projects

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

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

13. Synchronous
Chat / IM
Second Life
Phone
Skype
ITV
F2F

14. Asynchronous Wiki http://www.wikispaces.com

15. Synchronous / Asynchronous
Google Docs -
Document
Presentation
Zoho -
EtherPad -

16. 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

17. Other Possibilities Social Networking Tools Other Facebook Ning
Google Wave

18. 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