Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
The Challenge Continues
March 30-April 1, 2003
Creating a Learning Community Among On-line Learners
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By: Robert Rehn |
Abstract
Much of the learning that occurs in the classroom, especially in a practice-based graduate program, happens during student discussions. This transfer of information and experiences is much more difficult in an online learning environment. One method of creating this online learning community is through the use of personal web sites as assignment repositories, with students encouraged to read and comment on other student's work. This presentation will discuss the rationale for incorporating online learning experiences into an on-campus graduate level course.
Description
Much of the learning that occurs in the classroom, especially in a practice-based graduate program, happens during classroom presentations and discussions. This transfer of information and experiences is much more difficult in an online learning environment. One method of creating a community of learners in an on-line environment, which has been developed over the past several years is through the use of student personal web sites as repositories for their work in the course. Students create personal web sites and post their work to these personal sites. Classmates are encouraged (and in some cases required) to read and comment on other student's work. Students create projects and complete assignments primarily through on-line collaboration. Through an integrated use of these personal web sites, on-line discussion forum and e-mail, students develop collaborative projects, access and learn from each other's work and build an online community in which sharing, discussion and group learning through electronic means become the norm.