Engaging the Online Learner

Engaging the Online Learner

This updated edition includes an innovative framework--the Phases of Engagement--that helps learners become more involved as knowledge generators and cofacilitators of a course. The book also provides specific ideas for tested activities (collected from experienced online instructors across the nation) that can go a long way to improving online learning. Engaging the Online Learner offers the tools and information needed to:

• Convert classroom activities to an online environment

• Assess the learning that occurs as a result of collaborative activities

• Phase in activities that promote engagement among online learners

• Build peer interaction through peer partnerships and team activities

• Create authentic activities and implement games and simulations

Praise for Engaging the Online Learner

"The Phases of Engagement framework provides a road map for creating community at each phase of an online course. This book is an invaluable guide to innovative practices for online learning."

-Judith V. Boettcher, coauthor of The Online Teaching Survival Guide

"Engagement is the heart of online learning. The authors have developed an encyclopedia of tried-and-true learner engagement activities that are authentic and ready to use."

-Donald P. Ely, professor emeritus, instructional design, development and evaluation in the School of Education, Syracuse University

Auteur

RITA-MARIE CONRAD has been teaching, designing, and consulting on online courses for nearly two decades. She consults on the design, implementation, and evaluation of online courses, and provides training to community college and university faculty. A frequent presenter on the topic of online instruction, she is also coauthor of The Online Teaching Survival Guide published by Jossey-Bass. J. ANA DONALDSON retired as an associate professor of instructional technology from the University of Northern Iowa. She continues her love of teaching online by working part-time as a contributing faculty member for Walden University. She also provides instructional design and program evaluation consulting and has presented workshops on using technology to apply the principles of engaged learning.

Résumé
Engaging the Online Learner This updated edition includes an innovative framework—the Phases of Engagement—that helps learners become more involved as knowledge generators and cofacilitators of a course. The book also provides specific ideas for tested activities (collected from experienced online instructors across the nation) that can go a long way to improving online learning. Engaging the Online Learner offers the tools and information needed to:

• Convert classroom activities to an online environment
• Assess the learning that occurs as a result of collaborative activities
• Phase in activities that promote engagement among online learners
• Build peer interaction through peer partnerships and team activities
• Create authentic activities and implement games and simulations Praise for Engaging the Online Learner "The Phases of Engagement framework provides a road map for creating community at each phase of an online course. This book is an invaluable guide to innovative practices for online learning."
  –Judith V. Boettcher, coauthor of The Online Teaching Survival Guide "Engagement is the heart of online learning. The authors have developed an encyclopedia of tried-and-true learner engagement activities that are authentic and ready to use."
  –Donald P. Ely, professor emeritus, instructional design, development and evaluation in the School of Education, Syracuse University

Contenu
Preface vii

Overview of the Contents ix

Updates ix

Acknowledgments x

An Invitation x

The Authors xi

1 Learning in an Online Environment 1

Engaged Learning in the Online Environment 4

Guiding Learners to Engage Online 7

Appropriate Activities for Each Phase 11

Summary 11

PART ONE Constructing Activities to Engage Online Learners 15

2 Designing Online Engagement 17

Adapting Classroom-Based Activities 18

Meeting the Needs of Online Learners 20

Choosing an Effective Communication Tool 21

Summary 26

3 Measuring Online Engaged Learning 27

Analyzing the Quality of Critical Thinking 28

Discussion Analysis Tools 29

Rubrics 29

Team Assessments 30

Reflective Self-Assessments 34

Summary 37

4 Learning to Use Online Tools 38

Building Students' Skills in Using the Necessary Tools 38

PART TWO Activities to Engage Online Learners 49

5 Online Icebreakers 51

Characteristics of an Effective Icebreaker 52

6 Peer Partnership and Team Activities 67

Moving Dyads to Teams 68

7 Reflective Activities 81

Characteristics of an Effective Reflective Activity 82

8 Authentic Activities 92

Characteristics of an Effective Authentic Activity 93

9 Games and Simulations 101

Characteristics of an Effective Game or Simulation 102

10 Learner-Led Activities 114

Activities Led by Individuals Versus Teams 114

Conveying Outcomes 115

Choosing the Type of Activity 115

Adequate Orientation and Planning Time 115

What Do Learners Think About Learner-Led Activities? 117

Examples of Learner-Led Activities 118

References 129

Index 132