Unit 2: How can online tools help teachers to foster active learning through participation?

Unit 2 Objective: Participants will identify the advantages of online participation tools as techniques to encourage active learning.

Activity #1 READ: Sean Ruday offers teachers online alternatives to the face-to-face discussions held in traditional classrooms. You can read his article “Expanding the Possibilities of Discussion: A Strategic Approach to Using Online Discussion Boards in the Middle and High School English Classroom” at http://seanruday.weebly.com/links-to-selected-articles.html

Activity #2 REFLECT: After reading the Ruday article, write down two ways online participation can be used to encourage more active participation by students. Share your ideas in the space in collaborizeclassroom.com [www.collaborizeclassroom.com]. Comment on the ideas posted by your classmates.

Activity #3 MINI-LECTURE: What are the advantages to online participation?

When students go online to contribute to a class discussion in an asynchronous model, students are able to engage with other students in new ways. One advantage to an asynchronous discussion is that more assertive students don't interrupt a shy or quiet student. In addition, because time is not as limited, students have more time to formulate their thoughts before they post comments. Also, students also have the chance to interact with more students. In addition, Students have more control over the topics covered in the discussion because the teacher is not controlling and directing the discussion. Finally, students have access to an authentic audience. Students can learn the communication skills necessary to interact with a real audience.

REFLECT: In what ways might using an online participation tool increase active participation in a class you teach? Share your ideas in the space provided in collaborizeclassroom.com

Summary: Online participation tools can encourage student centered discussions by giving students more time to form their replies and by making students' ideas central to the discussion.

Go onto Unit 3: What strategies will help teachers maximize the effectiveness of online participation tools?