6

Online Teaching for LearningOnline Teaching for Learning Classroom & Online Discussion DesignClassroom & Online Discussion Design

Seminar #6Seminar #6Dr. Jane Zahner, Visiting Professor Dr. Jane Zahner, Visiting Professor

EszterhEszterháázy Kzy Káároly Froly Fööiskola, Eger, Hungaryiskola, Eger, HungaryValdosta State University, Georgia, USAValdosta State University, Georgia, USA

Why Classroom Discussions?Why Classroom Discussions?

Check comprehensionCorrect errorsExtend understandingAdd perspectivesFoster interaction

Problems: Classroom Discussions?Problems: Classroom Discussions?

Lack of preparationIncorrect informationUnformed opinionsUnequal participationDifficulty to assess / grade

Problems: Classroom Discussions?Problems: Classroom Discussions?

Lack of preparationIncorrect informationUnformed opinionsUnequal participationDifficulty to assess / grade

Online Discussions solve problems?Online Discussions solve problems? TimePrepare for F2F discussionExtend F2F discussionSubstitute for F2F discussion

SpaceAll same place - same timeAll same place - different times

Asynchronous vs. SynchronousAsynchronous vs. Synchronous

Not at same time In writing Spellcheck/grammar Flexible time Size can vary (<20) Formal strategies Instructor Feedback Easy documentation

At same time Writing or speaking Natural / informal Limit size (6-8) Strategies possible Feedback difficult Documentation, but

awkward

Blend possible

Asynchronous vs. SynchronousAsynchronous vs. Synchronous

Not at same time In writing Spellcheck/grammar Flexible time Size can vary (<20) Formal strategies Instructor Feedback Easy documentation

At same time Writing or speaking Natural / informal Limit size (6-8) Strategies possible Feedback difficult Documentation, but

awkward

Blend possible

Problems: Classroom Discussions

Lack of preparationIncorrect informationUnformed opinionsUnequal participationDifficulty to assess / grade

Can help; gives time & access to

resources

Resource Access in Online Discussions

Students know specific questions Students use-- Assigned

resources Found

resources

Problems: Classroom DiscussionProblems: Classroom Discussion

Lack of preparationIncorrect informationUnformed opinionsUnequal participationDifficulty to assess / grade

May help

Differentiation of experience in Differentiation of experience in Online DiscussionsOnline Discussions

Apply concepts to multiple real life examples

Quiet students Loud students Skilled / not skilled writers Thoughtful students/

instructors

Problems: Classroom Discussions?Problems: Classroom Discussions?

Lack of preparationIncorrect informationUnformed opinionsUnequal participationDifficulty to assess / grade

Assessment & Grading in Assessment & Grading in Online DiscussionsOnline Discussions

Assessment Documents

discussion Allows individual

feedback/correction Allows group

feedback/correction Formative

evaluation for course / activity

Grades Participation Quality Both Neither

Beyond Online Discussions?Beyond Online Discussions?Project SpringboardPBL (problem-based learning)

Portfolio artifactsContent analysisPapersReferencedPersuasiveOpinion

The instructor

is in charge

Discussions must be DESIGNED!