Supporting Online

Learning Communities
Presented by Justin Mark and
Andrew Ferneyhough
Tonight's Agenda
- I
Introduce topic
Review chapter highlights
Task #1 - Facebook Responses
Task #2 - Bitstrips.com
Task #3 - Blog Post
Introduce guest speaker Kim Hart

We will share this with you in google docs and we
have pasted the instructions into the D2L forum as
well.




Chapter 9
Supporting Online Learning
Communities
a combination of all previous chapters
the role of teacher in supporting online learning
aspects involved in moving from f2f to online
we learn from teachers who have made the switch
o Case Studies
College in Northern Germany - a look at young
learners of English
University of Rwanda - Study of Third world
Countries
The Changing Role of the Teacher


"the teacher's role is to provide learning experiences that
fulfil students' intellectual and social needs, and help
develop a positive and open attitude to learning. The
focus has moved towards support for learning, and
away from delivery for content."

Kear. p.190
Teacher as Guide

The teacher is no longer the single source of
information, instruction and assessment.
The teacher can help students to:
o find, evaluate and use suitable learning resources;
o learn via discussion and collaborative work;
o take part in peer feedback and assessment.
Moving From F2F to Online
Kear looks from a 'course-design point of view' at how a
teacher might go about moving a f2f course to an
online format. She puts the following items forward as
aspects to be considered:
o the learners (context, age, and attitude of learner.)
o the course topic
o the available technologies (tools)
o the teacher or teachers
Task #1 - Facebook Responses
We believe that online discussion vehicles such facebook, Moodle
forums and google groups will play a huge role in bridging the gap
between f2f and online learning.
In the OLTD facebook page we will submit 6 separate videos. These
videos are examples that we have used to stimulate thoughtful
discussions in our classrooms or online forums.
Please watch and comment on at least one of these videos. Though
we think you may have a use for each in your own practice at some
point.
You may:
- Simply make a comment or connection
- State whether you think it appropriate for your age group or any group for
that matter
- Tell us how you have used it if you have done so.




Facebook Videos
Eye of the Storm - A Frontline Documentary 1985
The Meatrix - A somewhat biased opinion of modern day
farming
Shameful Win?? - What do you think?
A Parody of the Future of Education - ???
"JISC - Learning in a digital age - Flexible curriculum
delivery" -
Ray Kurzweil: The accelerating power of technology.







Task #2 - Bitstrips.com
One of the things that we feel is important is to continue to share
programs with each other. Andrew is currently enrolled in a comic
strip creation site called bitstrips.com. He has created each of us a
name in his class.

We are asking you to go into the program, create yourself an avatar, and
then create a short comic strip on what you see a future classroom
looking like in 5,10,50 years.

This is simply for fun and to introduce you to the abilities of this site. If
you are struggling, or get bored, just move on.

Bitstrips cont'd
I will demonstrate, live in collaborate how to get in and get around.
http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/login/
Here are the written instructions:
1. Go to the link provided above - Student/Teacher log-in page
2. Under 'Student Log In' enter 'div 16'
3. Select your name from the drop box - Let me know if I have missed you
4. Type in your password - Which is your name with a Capital (Mary)
5. Begin with 'Edit Your Avatar' - Create Avatar - This may or may not be a
character in your comic
6. Go to my comics and 'Create a Comic'
7. Spend as much time as you care to on creating your future classroom.
8. Have fun
9. Email or Facebook message me if you have any questions or comments
Task #3 - Blog Post

What will education in B.C. look like in 10 even 20 years?
How do you perceive your role in education in the
coming years? What challenges do we face? What
changes to you see for the learner, the teacher as well
as the content?

(250-300) word blog post. Use your weebly site to create a
blog post titled 'Future of Education'. Link blog post to
D2L post.


Readings
Chapter 9 - Supporting Online Learning Communities -
Karen Kear

Getting the Mix Right Again: An updated and theoretical
rationale for interaction, Terry Anderson

The Future of Online Learning, Stephen Downes

Rhizomatic Education: Community as Curriculum, David
Cormier




Guest Speaker - Kim Hart
Vice Principal at Learn@Home Nanaimo.