Creating a Caring Online Community: Improved Interactions, Feedback, and Engagement

Abstract

BRIEF SESSION DESCRIPTION:

This workshop will address strategies for keeping students (online-only or in person students with online assignments) engaged and connected to the course by providing them with high levels of quality communication and feedback. Additionally, the workshop covers how instructors and students can establish a strong sense of community while communicating at a distance.à Research-based strategies and purpose-driven approaches will be provided in brief segments followed by hands-on interactions. Attendees will explore, experiment, and test various online digital tools and approaches for improving online feedback, interactions, and activities that result in caring online community. Topics covered include: using audio and video formats to provide students with feedback and create social presence; amplifying instructor-learner and learner-learner connections and communications through various communication tools; creating an online community for reflection and knowledge-building.à

Access the workshop materials using this link:https://sites.google.com/view/create-caring-online-community/home

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FULL ABSTRACT: The workshop will address strategies for keeping online students engaged and connected to the course by providing them with high levels of quality communication and feedback. Additionally, the workshop covers how instructors and students can establish a strong sense of community while communicating at a distance.à This mini-workshop will be interactive and hands-on. Attendees will explore, experiment, and test various online tools and approaches for improving online feedback, interactions, and activities that result in caring online community. Content concerning research-based strategies and purpose-driven approaches will be provided in brief segments followed by hands-on interactions. Topics covered include:à

-Providing students with feedback using audio and video

-Amplifying instructor-learner and learner-learner connections and communications through various communication toolsà

-Creating social presence through audio and videoà

-Creating an online community for reflection and knowledge-building

PLEASE NOTE that attendeeds should bring a LAPTOP with a microphone and speaker and HEADSETS or earbuds.

Access the workshop materials using this link:

https://sites.google.com/view/create-caring-online-community/home

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For more information about engaging students:àhttps://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/teaching/engaging-students-in-discussion