Return-Path: <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id i2UGUWm19598; Tue, 30 Mar 2004 11:30:32 -0500 (EST) Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 11:30:32 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <5.1.0.14.2.20040330101402.021bedb0@mail.ilstu.edu> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Chris Francisco <cfranc2@ilstu.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1245] Re: Online community X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 5.1 Status: O Content-Length: 2920 Lines: 61 Hello Jackie and all, I was away from the office yesterday and discovered your post and Jere's this morning. I completely agree with Dr. Johnston's comments concerning bulletin boards/discussion groups. In order for them to be successful and engaging they require mindful facilitation. I find in my own life that those venues that "call to me" and are kept "alive" are the ones where I participate. I don't think I'm alone in this respect. Like any classroom...they must be "worked" as Jere mentioned. In working with students using distance learning methods I find that the students really must be self directed. This desire to self motivate seems key. Many of our students are just not a good fit. I find that younger students may possess the tech skills but they are deficient in motivation. Sometimes these obstacles can be overcome through guidance. I have found that in our Online GED Illinois system that many students of all ages really benefit from a blended approach. They have the classroom experience and are able to continue their GED preparation off-site. Many students have PC's in their homes and are interested in working independently in the privacy and convenience of their homes. They can also work at libraries, One Stop Centers, Community Technology Centers and in some cases churches. This really helps a students stay connected to their studies/goals. It depends on the student! I so appreciate this venue of discussion and will stay engaged. Thank you! peace, Chris At 08:59 AM 3/30/2004 -0500, jataylor wrote: >Hello everyone! >I agree with Nickie, there certainly has been a lot of discussion for the >first day! In all that we have shared thus far, what themes seem to be >emerging? > >I noticed that many of us made reference to the importance of interactive >learning environments. Jane, you noted, "The one negative comment that I have >is that the discussion board was, for the most part, a dead zone. My >classmates only posted what was required. No real discussion took place >though >we were encouraged to use it actively to query and learn from each other." >While Beth, you shared how you missed the camaraderie that developed among >participants in a discussion board. > >Jane, what could have been done differently to increase the interaction among >participants? Beth, what did you take away from the experience that you >otherwise would not have learned without the interaction? What are others' >experiences with interaction and online community in distance education? > >Nickie and others made reference to strategies for developing online learning >communities. But first, why online community? How important is interactivity >among students in distance education? Are we saying that for a successful >distance education experience that interactivity among classmates must play a >part? And if so, how much? > >Thanks! > >Jackie
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