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The author discusses the theory behind online discussions, as well as the potential value of - and problems associated with - online discussions. Some excerpts: "The argument I offer here is that saying an online discussion is a worse version of an IRL discussion is like saying an apple is a worse version of an orange. Disappointment with online discussions because they are not like IRL discussion is like being disappointed with an apple because it is a bad orange." ... "In an IRL discussion, students look, speak, and listen with multiple objects. In online discussion, like during a lecture, students sit and stare at a single object as well: but it is a computer rather than a person speaking. The lecturer is the computer. This lecturer is a screen with a keyboard and includes a complex series of frames within which the student types sentences in varying sequences. By this I am not only talking about video lectures which students watch, but rather more perceptually. In a lecture, the lecturer is the sole object of attention. There is only one object of attention: bracketing the complex material engaged with in the screen, it remains true that students exclusively engage with the screen when learning online. Students in online courses stare at a computer when learning online the same way they would stare at a lecturer speaking, focusing their attention on a single object. At a lecture, it's a person. Online, it's the computer."... "In any case, online discussions are still discussions. It would be a mistake to say all we do during online discussion is stare intensely at a computer. Most of the discussions in my online courses occur asynchronously on discussion boards. On these written discussion boards, for example, we read and write responsively. The whole situation of online discussion is therefore more akin, in this respect, to written correspondence."

From the conclusion: "Participating well in online discussions might be more like writing a good letter or having a good phone conversation, as opposed to a good spoken kind comment in an IRL discussion. We should not expect online discussions to be anything at all like IRL discussions. They are categorically different. In other words, being disappointed with online discussions because they are not like IRL discussions is like being disappointed with apples because they are not oranges." "In planning online courses, generating online assignments, and creating materials for online teaching, it is important to remember that online discussions require students to focus intense attention on a machine, and therefore compels them to cathect and introject that machine. Independently of the fluidity of your module and software, students transfer meanings onto their machines during the learning process rather than a person. While the introjection of machines is an interesting opportunity for further educational research, as an instructor, plan for student participation with this in mind: they are interacting with a machine and not people. An online discussion is more like a computer's lecture than an IRL discussion, no matter how interactive."

A discussion of fair use practices for online video. This should be helpful for anybody who is planning on using video clips as illustrations or for discussions or assignments.

Thanks, Dan. This is an excellent overview that offers reasonable guidelines while highlighting the gray areas within the area of fair use, a very flexible term. The focus is on intent but, more importantly, that the educational/critical aspect must be clearly defined and communicated. I do use quite a lot of video so this is very helpful to me.

An oldish but still useful Edutopia article on online video in the classroom, with some notes on fair use and on video editing software

This is a quick overview to making videos using a technique called "pencasting". It's the technique used in many of the Khan Academy teaching videos. I will also post the website of the author, Andrew Wolf from University of Rochester. He has many other ideas, links and helpful tutorials for blended/online learning.

I found this article to be very helpful in providing a sense that it will be possible to control time use when teaching on line. It gives great tips on how to overcome the feeling that online teaching will be a 24/7 class rather than one that meets TTh 10-11:15 in White Hall 208! I like this one a lot.

Researchers use the CoI framework to examine teacher presence and the use of introductory videos.

This UCF website, prepared by Carissa Baker, explores the way in which many literature professors are "trying innovative technology strategies within the literature classroom to increase knowledge and engagement." With theoretical as well as practical sources, the site offers many ideas on student engagement and literature immersion; it also has a few videos with ideas for staging virtual worlds; and a starter bibliography with 10 articles on a range of topics, including virtual literature circles; native avatars, online hubs, and urban indian literature; victorian novels and technoRomanticism; using Tweeter in the Literature Classroom (hmm...); online teaching Old English; and hypertext use to enhance students reading experiences, among others.

CuriosityStream is the world's first SVOD service for premium factual content. Watch enriching, ad-free videos at any time and on any device. I have used their video on the Crusades to bring meaning to a very removed period for students.

Simple concept-Great learning! This is an excellent video demonstrating 8 key tips to effectively manage, engage and get the most out of your online classes. The best part is that it is clear, straight forward and very easy to understand.

Very nice to the point tips that can easily be implemented. Also doesn't feel so overwhelming at this point in the learning curve. Thanks for sharing

The title does very well in explaining this resource.

In this article the author describes the design and development of an online learning resource: 'Video Guide to Audacity.'

This is great. I use Audacity in my Sound Design courses as one of the many design platform options.

Researchers say that some online students don't like group work. How to deal with dissonance? One idea is to have students list their reasons and then discuss. Another is to show them a video on collaboration and team-building. There are a lot of lousy team-building videos on YouTube. But here's a fun and engaging Ted Talk presentation. Why are kindergarteners better at collaboration than business school students? Tune in.

Great storage area for many videos and materials in the CAST domain.