Elevating Asynchronous Distance Learning through Excellent Online - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Elevating Asynchronous Distance Learning through Excellent Online Discussions David Baker, Public Administration CSU—San Bernardino Teaching Public Administration Conference May 17-19, 2011 Williamsburg, VA

Elevating Online Discussions Online education is no fading fad  5.6 million enrolled fall 2009  Freedom from traditional constraints  Hannay & Nevine (2006): Learning  De Wever et al (2010): Group knowledge  Xin & Feenberg (2006): Interaction  Rourke & Anderson (2002): Self-expression

Elevating Online Discussions Student-Centered Pedagogical Purpose(s)  Link to learning objective(s)  Engage while checking comprehension  Encourage affiliation & socialization  Include asynchronous learning experience  Learn from others, hone critical thinking skills  Student assessment

Elevating Online Discussions Design of Questions  Content based, concepts & principles  Open ended, integrating student experiences  Design to reveal comprehension & engagement  Challenging, engaging critical thinking

Elevating Online Discussions Organizing the Discussion  Dividing into groups  Social needs, ungraded get acquainted session  Icebreakers  Types of participation (substantive v. responsive)  Creating interdependence (due dates)  Consider a visual timeline (Table 1)

Elevating Online Discussions Managing Discussions  Keeping the discussion on track  Netiquette  Regular, random, & unconventional times  Pre-planning involvement  Controlling dysfunction  Making it human

Elevating Online Discussions Student Assessment  Establishing expectations  Consider a rubric (Table 2)  Enforce standards  Document (Figure 1)

Elevating Online Discussions Communications  Class critique (announcements)  Discussion group feedback  Individual coaching  Monitor e-mail, respond quickly  Virtual office hours

Elevating Online Discussions Cultivating Continuous Improvement  Review, evaluate, & redesign  Purposeful planning & preparation