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7 - Learning Activities & Assignments

2Types of Class Work

• Blogs – Wikis – Journals • Presentations (PowerPoint)• Interviews• Group Work• Tests – Quizzes – Labs • Discussions

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Blogs – Wikis – Journals

• Most common technology tools• Write about assigned content• Used for communication and collaboration

Tips: Read instructions carefully Create assignment checklist Draft comments in Word Proofread, spell and grammar check

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Presentations (PowerPoint)

Tips

Read assignment carefully – create checklist

Outline points

Create list of slides and organize points

Rewrite points in format used on slides

Use bullet points and phrases

Six to eight lines on slide

Large text – easily read

One graphic or clip art per slide

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PowerPoint (continued)

Be creative with title and conclusion pages

Use plain background

Choose contrasting colors

Do not use auto timer slide transitions or sound

effects

Do not use audio or video clips

Cite where information came from and include

reference slide at end of presentation

6Interviews

• Provide students with additional information• Involve composing questions and

recording answers• Can be face-to-face, questions sent via

email or by phone

7Interview (continued)

Basic Guidelines:• Create list of questions• Make sure questions address topics/issues

required• List should have more questions than needed• Organize questions for smooth flow• Take notes during interview• Write assignment as soon as interview is over• Send thank-you note to interviewee

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Group Work

Basic Guidelines:• Communicate often with team members• Monitor discussion board daily• Post ideas, questions, answers daily to teammates• Group should elect chairperson first day and

assign roles• Do your part and offer to help others• Do not miss a deadline• Do not go MIA – will tick off teammates• Do your part and do it on time

9Tests – Quizzes – Labs Labs used in online science and technology courses are set up differently and explained in detail how to complete.

Tests and quizzes are generally set up to have access for one week and may be objective assessments (M/C, T/F, etc.) that are automatically graded. Other test formats like fill-in-the-bland, short-answer, or essay questions can be graded later by professor.

Colleges sometimes require proctored tests – taking test in presence of another person. Proctors can be any school or library official. There may be testing centers where students can go to take proctored tests.

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Discussions

Interactive

IdeasSharing

Graded

Experience

Kn

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Learn Assignments

ParticipationOpportunities

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Goals:• Thinking critically & creatively• Reflecting on what others say• Backup statements with facts & documentation• Assimilating the information• Applying knowledge to relevant issues

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Discussions (continued)

Strategies:• Review requirements• Read class material• Take notes that relate to topic• Write out entry – use notes• Proofread – spell and grammar check work• Post early if possible but post on time• Respond to classmates’ postings• Politely explain why you agree or disagree with supporting facts to back up comments• Read and answer responses 3x’s a week

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Preparing for Class Work

To Successfully Complete Assignments:• Read the assignment• Create a checklist• Read class material• Take notes• Create an outline• Write a draft• Proofread – organize - rewrite

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Make list of different types of activities required in online class Put a star beside activities which you have no experience Read instructions carefully and make list of questions Print instructions and make checklist for each activity and place in notebook For group project add weekly tasks to calendar and schedule communication Note when discussion messages are due and add to calendar Get technology set up in advance (e.g., PowerPoint, blogs, wikis, etc.)

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Questions? Problems?

• Questions relating to course content should be directed to the instructor.• Technical problems should be addressed as follows:NEED HELP?For assistance with Blackboard, Wimba, Remote Proctor, and other online tools, please go to http://helpdesk.troy.edu and submit a ticket. The Educational Technology team is available 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week to support your technical needs. For instructions on submitting a ticket, please click here.• For additional help..http://www.troy/eCampus.htm