1. Virtual Interactions For Online Learning Mawdudur Rahman, Ph.D. Visiting Professor, College of Business Zayed University Dubai, UAE Online Chats and Threads

2. April 2, 2005MRahman 2 Why interactivity Learning through interactions Opportunity to share knowledge and views Surrogate for f2f classroom Opportunity for feedback Get to know each other Build self-confidence Feel the presence of a live professor

3. April 2, 2005MRahman 3 Why interactivity AACSB’s Emphasis – Interaction opportunities available to meet unique needs of individual students – Consistent with school’s mission- with integrity and respect among participants – Opportunities to learn – Access to experts – Interactions among faculty members

4. April 2, 2005MRahman 4 Synchronous or Asynchronous Synchronous-real time – all at the same time Asynchronous- anytime anyone Advantages Disadvantages

5. April 2, 2005MRahman 5 Thread Discussions Starts with a topic – Topic selection – Topic objectives – Topic lead Directing the thread Examples

6. April 2, 2005MRahman 6 Thread protocol Thread rules Beginning and closing dates Feedback rules Thread length Thread language Thread entries

7. April 2, 2005MRahman 7 Thread protocol Relevance to the topic Repeated responses ( how many times) Duration thread remains open Closing the thread Grading rules Example

8. April 2, 2005MRahman 8 Uses of thread Use of the first thread – Introducing each other Weekly subject discussion Problem solving sessions Team threads Record of class attendance Class participation

9. April 2, 2005MRahman 9 Choice of Media for Thread Platform – Accessibility – Reliability – Robustness – Connection speed – Participants consideration Text Thread Text and Audio Thread A/V Thread

10. April 2, 2005MRahman 10 Thread Feedback Instructor’s feedback for each entry by student is important Other student’s feedback and comments makes the contents useful and interesting Only ‘Yes/no’, ‘I agree’ answers should be discouraged unless supported by comments Promptly post weekly grades on the thread

11. April 2, 2005MRahman 11 Thread Benefits Develop conceptual and subject area proficiency Communication skill in the virtual world Help develop analytical thinking, research skills, and ability to write short comments using in their own language Creates publicly shared records of their performance Removes fears of failure Requires participation by all

12. April 2, 2005MRahman 12 Thread Examples Suffolk University MBA- Financial Accounting ZU BS(BS) – Challenges of Virtual Management

13. April 2, 2005MRahman 13 Caution! Thread may become crowed Thread may be not populated Continuous feedback, revise and review is necessary There are lazy and over jealous participants Domination by a few Don’t use or allow personal advice or negative value judgment on the thread Watch your language and English

14. April 2, 2005MRahman 14 Academic Interactive Chat (AIC) The nature and purpose of academic chat Explain: why is academic chat different from informal chats? AIC replaces the face-to-face class meetings Reorient the students to the formal part of the AIC

15. April 2, 2005MRahman 15 Choice of media for AIC Platform – Accessibility – Reliability – Robustness – Connection speed – Participants’ consideration Which Option: – Text chat – Text and Audio chat – A/V chat

16. April 2, 2005MRahman 16 The Chat Process Remember chat is live Students need preparation Chat should be relevant – Describe the chat subject area – Give them questions/topics to preparequestions/topics Don’t engage in lecture in the chat class Ask the questions and direct the discussions Explain the confusion and don’t monopolize

17. April 2, 2005MRahman 17 Chat protocol Chat rules Begin with greetings Rules for chat comments Answer length Chat language Chat entries Example

18. April 2, 2005MRahman 18 Chat protocol – Relevance to the topic – Repeated responses ( how many times) – Weekly chat and ideal duration – Language – minimum grammar and formality – Closing the chat – Grading rules – Example Example

19. April 2, 2005MRahman 19 Uses of Chat Start with greetings, opportunity to create the rapport Weekly review of assignments and progress Problem solving Team meetings Record of class attendance Class participation Grading

20. April 2, 2005MRahman 20 Chat Feedback Instructor’s feedback for entries made by students is important Other student’s feedback and comments makes the discussion informative Only ‘Yes/no’, ‘I agree’ feedback should be discouraged unless supported by comments Promptly post grades on the chats

21. April 2, 2005MRahman 21 Chat Benefits Develop conceptual and subject area proficiency Communication skill in the virtual world Help develop quick thinking and ability to write one or two sentences comments using in their own language Creates publicly shared records of their performance Removes fears of failure Requires participation from all

22. April 2, 2005MRahman 22 Chat Examples Suffolk University, Chat stats Chat Examples D:\Documents\KFUPM-Online\chat examples Zayed University