EDU337 Collaboration in the Virtual Classroom

Stephanie Parlee, MAT, MSCE

Week 3 Overview

Reading Ch 5: Virtual Teams in Very Small

Classes Ch 6: Choosing Online Collaborative

Tools  Discussion

Concord Consortium Assignment

Critical Thinking Questions NET Standards

Week 3 Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of strategies that build community

in the virtual environment.

Evaluate different solutions to resolve challenges and situations

in the online classroom.

Develop a lesson plan that meets the National Educational

Technology (NET) standards for 21st century skills.

Analyze strategies for virtual collaboration and teamwork.

Concord Consortium

In our work in this thread we focus on the element of Community Building and its integral role in the development and delivery of E-Learning. As I reflected on this topic, I was struck by the change in view that has emerged with E-Learning over the last decade. While online education started out as an outcropping of distance learning, an isolating educational experience, it has developed into this rich blend of approaches and design options that can allow even closer collaboration than we see in most face to face courses.

When I think back to my time in the physical classroom, I was forced to talk with 30 or 40 students at a time in many courses. I could only offer a group oriented statement or one directed at the needs of an individual. Online, I am able to provide both in a manner that appears simultaneous, according to the asynchronous time flow of the course. I can post guidance to the course as a whole, post in a discussion directed to the entire course, and respond to personal notes and emails to address the questions and concerns of the students. No longer do I need to balance the needs of one student with the needs of others.

When we look at online collaboration, how can we capitalize on these strengths? How can we support the students in their collaboration as it is occurring?

Robert Ubell examines the move to the online environment and its effect on teambuilding in light of Dewey’s focus on experiential, student led learning. As you review this article reflect on your view of the instructor’s role in the online classroom. Did you agree with Ubell’s assessment? Why or why not?

Dewey Goes Online: Virtual Teaming on Campus

Communication Email Discussion Forums

Teambuilding Orchestration Facilitation

Collaborative Efforts: Teaching and Learning in Virtual Worlds

Hodge and Collins explore the role of Virtual Worlds in the classroom. They look at the positives that are possible as we design a rich world of exploration and collaboration.

As you review this article, do you think that they look at the potential obstacles and challenges that Virtual Worlds present? What additional information could they include that would help you to apply the information in the real world?

How to Create a Professional Learning Community

Learning Community

Teach Collaboration

Questions that Explore

Building Trust

Develop over time

Work to Include Participants

Draw on Outside Resources

Focus on the Learning

Ullman picks up where Ubell left off. She discusses distinct steps that you can take to build a professional learning community.

This article pertains to a group of teachers working together. Do you think that these factors apply in other arenas? Why or why not?

Critical Thinking Questions

This assignment requires that you

reference two sources in addition to the

course text. Where do you go to find credible

sources for your academic work?

Do you have a favorite database that you like to

access for articles?

The Content Criteria requires that you express your own

opinion supporting that opinion with evidence / reasoning that is logical

and convincing.

How will you ensure that you

meet each aspect of this element?

How can you effectively draw on your outside references here to support your

opinion? When you review your answer to each question, can you clearly

identify your opinion?

Breaking Down the Rubric

Breaking Down the Question

What detail do you need to provide to demonstrate

critical analysis of the topic?

What element(s) evidences critical thinking?

What are the key elements of the questions you have

selected to answer?

NET Standards

Creativity and Innovation

Communication and

Collaboration

Research and Information

Fluency

Critical Thinking, Problem

solving, and Decision Making

Digital Citizenship

Technology Operations

and Concepts

As you reflect on these standards and your experience as a student, do you find that your courses have brought together a variety of these standards? Have you had more experience with some of these standards than others? How will your experience as a student affect your work in design?

When we talk about creating a learning environment, one of my favorite all time TED Talks by Sir Ken Robinson on the creation of personalized learning environments springs immediately to mind. This video stresses the need to create a learning environment that meets the needs of the individual student.

Does this concept stand in opposition to the need to collaborate? Can we build a true collaborative environment without addressing the needs and strengths of each member of the community? How will you ensure that you are meeting your students’ needs as individuals?

In my own classroom I seek to bring in a variety of activities that allow each student take on a leadership role at different moments. As I work through an activity in person with a group of students, I observe the class and look for the student or group who needs my support. When they need support, I work to provide the minimum support necessary to get them on track. Why would I provide the minimum? Would you as well?

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution!