Module 4

Content
• Video streaming
• virtual library
• textbooks
• online articles
• e-books
Communication
• email
• discussion boards
• class cafe
Collaboration
• learning communities
• wikis
• blogs


Durrington, Berryhill, Swafford (2006) states that in the past decade distance education has grown from a program which a few institutions offered to a universal option which students have come to expect. As institutions offer this, they must implement ways to incorporate content, communication and collaboration. McCroskey and Anderson (1976) as well as Ritchie and Newby (1989) found research that indicates that students in distance learning programs have more positive attitudes and achieve higher levels of performance when there is a high level of interaction.
In a distance learning program, content can be supplies through textbooks, links to the institution library, textbooks and e-books, video streaming and other online resources. Learners can communicate with classmates and instructors via email, discussion boards and class cafes. Other modes of communication can include Skype and video conferencing. Collaboration can occur among classmates through learning communities, wikis, and blogs. When a distance learning program implements strategies to focus on content, communication and collaboration, both learners and instructors have a positive experience.

Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190−193.

McCroskey, J., and J. Anderson. 1976. The relationship between communication apprehension and academic achievement among college students. Human Communication Research, no. 3:73–81.

Ritchie, H., and T. J. Newby. 1989. Classroom lecture/discussion vs. live televised instruction: A comparison of effects on student performance, attitude. American Journal of Distance Education 3 (3): 8–17.

Module 3

As we see a shift toward what Siemens (2008) describes as a participatory pedagogy where collaboration and teamwork are a key element in curricular activities, distance learning programs must look at forming learning communities within their organizations. This collaboration can be difficult for both the learners as well as the instructor. For learners, this collaboration often takes place on a discussion board or in smaller learning communities. Each group member must post an initial response then reply to others. This can be difficult for the learner because he/she must depend on group members to post in a timely manner with a well informed post. If each group member does not do this, it affects the others. In this area, it is also difficult for the instructor as he must evaluate the work. In environment, I feel that each member of a group should use a rubric to assess each group member. This should be factored into the final grade given by the instructor. If a student failed to participate in a collaborative assignment, I feel that the learning community should first try to contact that member and offer help. If this does not resolve the problem, the group should contact the instructor for instruction on how to proceed. The instructor should also contact the non participating group member reminding them of the responsibilities of the class. If the group member continued to be a non participant, he/she should receive no points on that portion of the assignment.

Each member of an online course brings a different background and different knowledge levels to the course. In order to ensure “fair and equitable assessment”, the program should offer tutorials on how to use the technologies required.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Author.

Module 3 ~Storyboard

Here is my storyboard for using best practices when participating in discussion boards.
**Due to technological difficulties, the actual powerpoint can't be uploaded at this time. Working to resolve this issue.**

Slide 1: Introduction
(Text) Best practices on discussion boards
(Graphic) Person using computer

Slide 2:
(Quote with references) "The Discussion Board is the heart and soul of the online community."
(Graphic) image of discussion board

Slide 3:
(Text) Why is it important to use best practices when participating in discussion boards?

• to make each group member feel confident in participation


• to ensure each member engages in collaborative knowledge generation which results in community building

Slide 4:

(Text) Best Practices Defined

• Know the jargon


• Plan ahead


• Netiquette

Slide 5:

(Text) Know the jargon'

**important terms included

Slide 6:

(Text) Plan ahead

**includes ways participants should manage their time

(Graphic) Clock

Slide 7:

(Text) Netiquette

**includes suggestions for following the rules of internet etiquette

Slide 8: Conclusion
(Text) In conclusion, when participating in discussion boards it is important use best practices such as knowing the jargon, planning ahead and following the rules of netiquette.