Group items tagged

participation in online discussion forums provides opportunities for responsibility and active learning through the expectation of regular participation in online discussions.

hey construct knowledge through the shared experiences that each participant brings to the collaborative discussions. The online web courses about teaching offer deeper perspectives and opportunities to learn because the participants are teachers from school districts around the state and other states.

This particular use of the discussion forum, to negotiate and construct knowledge, is an example of using the technology as a cognitive tool and not simply as another kind of blackboard or one-way communication method. Cognitive tools and environments stimulate cognitive learning strategies and critical thinking (Jonassen, 1998). Students engaged with course content in discussions and group work with other students engage in generative processing of information.

the importance of your online teaching presence is that it contributes to online students’ sense of learning and perception of community.  An online teaching presence “is the binding element in cultivating a learning community” (Persico, et al, 2010).  According to Shea, Li & Pickett (2006), “There is a clear connection between perceived teaching presence and students’ sense of learning community.”

For an online learning environment, the emphasis shifts from preparing class sessions to preparing learning modules with specific learning goals, reading assignments, brief instructional materials, learning activities, discussion board posting requirements, assessment procedures, etc.   While you design the modules for your course, you should regularly ask: What do I want students to learn in this module? How will students demonstrate their learning of the materials in this module? What assignments or learning activities will support the learning for this module? By asking yourself these questions while designing modules, you will support student learning and will establish your teaching presence in the design of the course.

“Skillful facilitation allows students to interact with one another and the instructor at a high level” (Palloff and Prat, 2011).   At the beginning of the course, faculty members can help facilitate discourse through ice breakers that ask students to introduce themselves and find commonalities with other students. 

Method 1. Practice good discussion board moderation techniques

Many of the consequences of cognitive overload are well described in business studies. In 'Dying for Information? -- an investigation into the effects of information overload in the U.K and World-wide', [Waddington, 96] a 350 page report based on a survey of 1,313 junior, middle and senior managers in the U.K, U.S, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore -- the key findings were: two thirds of managers report tension with work colleagues, and loss of job satisfaction because of stress associated with information overload. One third of managers suffer from ill health, as a direct consequence of stress associated with information overload. This figure increases to 43% among senior managers. Almost two thirds (62%) of managers testify their personal relationships suffer as a direct result of information overload. 43% of managers think important decisions are delayed, and the ability to make decisions is affected as a result of having too much information. 44% believe the cost of collating information exceeds its value to business.

Many of the consequences of cognitive overload are well described in business studies. In 'Dying for Information? -- an investigation into the effects of information overload in the U.K and World-wide', [Waddington, 96] a 350 page report based on a survey of 1,313 junior, middle and senior managers in the U.K, U.S, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore -- the key findings were: two thirds of managers report tension with work colleagues, and loss of job satisfaction because of stress associated with information overload. One third of managers suffer from ill health, as a direct consequence of stress associated with information overload. This figure increases to 43% among senior managers. Almost two thirds (62%) of managers testify their personal relationships suffer as a direct result of information overload. 43% of managers think important decisions are delayed, and the ability to make decisions is affected as a result of having too much information. 44% believe the cost of collating information exceeds its value to business.

Many of the consequences of cognitive overload are well described in business studies. In 'Dying for Information? -- an investigation into the effects of information overload in the U.K and World-wide', [Waddington, 96] a 350 page report based on a survey of 1,313 junior, middle and senior managers in the U.K, U.S, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore -- the key findings were: two thirds of managers report tension with work colleagues, and loss of job satisfaction because of stress associated with information overload. One third of managers suffer from ill health, as a direct consequence of stress associated with information overload. This figure increases to 43% among senior managers. Almost two thirds (62%) of managers testify their personal relationships suffer as a direct result of information overload. 43% of managers think important decisions are delayed, and the ability to make decisions is affected as a result of having too much information. 44% believe the cost of collating information exceeds its value to business.