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Creating Small Within Large. The SLIS 5000 Experience. 2007 Redesign Conference. Facts and Problems. Introductory class with blended delivery Heavily dependent on readings-based online discussions Rapidly growing enrollment (150+) Critical size of discussion group is 8-12
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Creating Small Within Large The SLIS 5000 Experience 2007 Redesign Conference
Facts and Problems • Introductory class with blended delivery • Heavily dependent on readings-based online discussions • Rapidly growing enrollment (150+) • Critical size of discussion group is 8-12 • Need minimum for different viewpoints • Beyond maximum, students tend to lose identity • Without leader, discussions drift
Current Solution • Randomly generate discussion groups of ten • There are ten discussion questions • Assign each student to act as leader for one question • Assign specific, graded, role for leader • Introduced software to allow students to see photo of person posting
Group Leader Assignment • Introduce discussion question within 12 hours of opening of the topic • Frame the question within the readings • Promote and encourage high-quality discussion • Reflect on postings • Compare and contrast postings • Bring in your own experiences • Summarize the discussion within 24 hours of topic closing
Results • More postings • Higher quality postings • Higher participation Phil Turner pturner@unt.edu