Creating an Online Collaborative Learning Environment

Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA) 2009 Conference

Dr. Odin Jurkowski07.09.2009

1:00 pm

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http://faculty.ucmo.edu/jurkowski/collaboration.pptx

Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies

(U.S. Dept of Education)

It was the combination of elements in the treatment conditions (which was likely to have included additional learning time and materials as well as additional opportunities for collaboration) that produced the observed learning advantages. At the same time, one should note that online learning is much more conducive to the expansion of learning time than is face-to-face instruction. (p. xvii)

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http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf

Collaboration

• Collaboration in Education - two or more co-equal individuals voluntarily bring their knowledge and experiences together by interacting toward a common goal for the betterment of their educational success.

• Collaboration platform - a unified electronic platform that supports synchronous and asynchronous communication through a variety of devices and channels.

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Constructivism / Social Learning Theories

• Dewey – social: hands-on, real-world• Vygotsky – culture: scaffolding• Piaget – social maturation: stages of

development• Bruner – environment: exploration and

manipulation of objects• Gardner – multiple intelligences

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Moore’s Theory of Transactional Distance

• Learner – Content • Learner – Instructor • Learner – Learner

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Considerations

• Building community – Online ice breakers (Engaging the Online Learner by Conrad & Donaldson)

• Whole class or groups within a class• More or less structure• Teacher involvement

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Types of Collaboration

1. Discussion2. Collaborative knowledge construction3. Group Projects

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1. Discussions

• Weekly• Let them choose among a set of questions to

respond to• Define a time frame for posting• Define number of posts and responses• Instructor must jump in and be present

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2. Constructing Knowledge

• Utilize a shared tool (wiki or Google Doc) to co-edit/write

• Provide the structure and expectations• Monitor for involvement

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3. Group Projects

• Real world experience• Similar issues with group dynamics whether

online or f2f classes

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Group Projects – Old Way

• Meet before class• Meet during class• Meet after class• Meet another day• Talk on the phone

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Common Course Management Tools

• Blackboard– Discussion Board– Messages– Collaboration (chat)– Group Pages• Group Discussion Board• File Exchange• Chat• Email

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Synchronous

• Chat / IM• Second Life• Phone• Skype• ITV• F2F

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Asynchronous

• Wiki– http://www.wikispaces.com – http://pbworks.com/academic.wiki

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Synchronous / Asynchronous

• Google Docs - http://docs.google.com – Document– Presentation

• Zoho - http://www.zoho.com • EtherPad - http://etherpad.com

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Tips

• Start early• Understand that it takes more time online• Maintain frequent contact• Use a wiki type tool for brainstorming and

organization• Pick a topic, assign roles, set dates and targets

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Other Possibilities

• Social Networking Tools– Facebook– Ning

• Other–Google Wave http://wave.google.com/help/wave/about.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itc4253kjhw

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Contact InformationDr. Odin Jurkowski

Chair, Department of Career & Technology EducationAssociate Professor & Program Coordinator, Educational Technology

University of Central Missouri Grinstead 120Warrensburg MO 64093

660.543.8387jurkowski@ucmo.eduhttp://faculty.ucmo.edu/jurkowskihttp://www.ucmo.edu/edtechhttp://www.ucmo.edu/cte

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