Using
the Technology: Sense of Community
What makes a learning
management system (LMS) a platform that can deliver a sense of community (SoC)? Is it a splash page with a colorful banner and
a funny little character like the one on this blog page? Or, is it the inclusion of apps like Padlet
and Voki embedded in the learning modules?
While these can have a positive and energizing impact, it is the
instructor that sets the stage and leads the way. Shackelford and Maxwell (2012)
found:
The
instructor must be aware of the importance of his or her communication in
showing students how to engage in behaviors that build community in an online
course. Students observe instructor behavior and learn from it, taking cues in
such areas as initiation of conversations, acceptance of opposing viewpoints,
offering of encouragement, and use of tact in disagreements.
Synchronous discussion webinars
not only give the instructor and students the opportunity to bond, it also
encourages spontaneous critical thinking.
Morrison (2012) found most instructors wanted students to become
interested in the topic, motivated to explore and ask questions, learn and
think by means of discourse and discussion, and finally to think critically,
apply the knowledge to other areas, draw conclusions and demonstrate knowledge.
The virtual classroom is
the perfect space for individualized learning, but the social interaction to
support the community that exist within that space is discussion. Having discussions among a large number
of students can make participation challenging.
Akcaoglu and Lee (2016) found that
by manipulating group size, students' perceptions of cohesion, and sociability
were positively increased in asynchronous class discussions.
In
my current training environment, I do get a chance to use colorful splash pages,
synchronous discussion as the classes are designed as hybrid learning, and there
is a carve out for asynchronous discussion. It is my plan to expand the utilization of
different learning apps to keep my training participants both engaged and
learning something new about technology.
References
Akcaoglu, M., Lee, E. (2016). Increasing social presence in online learning
through small group discussions. International Review of Research in Open and
Distributed Learning, 17(3). Retrieved
from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/2293/3680
Morrison, D. (2012).
Critical thinking in the online classroom. Online
learning insights a place for learning about online education. Retrieved from https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/critical-thinking-in-the-online-learning-classroom/
Shackelford, J. L., & Maxwell, M. (2012). Contribution of learner–instructor
interaction to sense of community in graduate online education. MERLOT
Journal of Online Learning and Teaching 8(4).
248-260.
Discussions are definitely a critical way of forming a sense of community in a online learning environment. As I have noted in my post, we need to carefully construct the discussion so that they appeal to the interests of the students. This will help encourage the students to want to discuss. When a lively discussion starts in the course, it is really a great feeling as an instructor.
ReplyDeletePamela,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you focused on the sense of community. You made great points of how having synchronous discussions are great for building that relationship and will allow for students to become more involved throughout the course.
I think your plan to expand the utilization of different learning apps is a great idea and I think it would be a very positive way to get students engaged and motivated to learn about new technology.
Students look to the instructor for guidance, so engaging with them and the material paves the way to create an interactive community of learners. Modeling also builds positive, trusting relationships with students
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate that you are not only presenting content, but integrating the use of new tech tools. Your students are being prepared for today's workforce!
Pamela,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point that creating a community is important, and discussion do help with that! I have also found group projects as we way to build community. However, we all know there are big challenges with group work as well.
I agree with Shelby and Elizabeth that integrating tech tools to make your training relevant and performance based is very important.
Amy
Pamela,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree the instructor sets the tone and pace especially in an online environment. It almost takes more effort in an online environment to create a feeling of value among all of the participants because all interaction has to be very purposeful. I find the discussion boards tremendously valuable when it comes to community building and feeling like I am in touch with the rest of the class. Greta post - thanks!
I love what you are doing! Audience is very important to our design process, so we need to make sure that our social presence is natural rather than contrived. good job!
ReplyDelete