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Virtual Interactions For Online Learning. Online Chats and Threads. Mawdudur Rahman, Ph.D. Visiting Professor, College of Business Zayed University Dubai, UAE. Why interactivity. Learning through interactions Opportunity to share knowledge and views Surrogate for f2f classroom
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Virtual Interactions For Online Learning Online Chats and Threads Mawdudur Rahman, Ph.D. Visiting Professor, College of Business Zayed University Dubai, UAE
Why interactivity • Learning through interactions • Opportunity to share knowledge and views • Surrogate for f2f classroom • Opportunity for feedback • Get to know each other • Build self-confidence • Feel the presence of a live professor MRahman
Why interactivity • AACSB’s Emphasis • Interaction opportunities available to meet unique needs of individual students • Consistent with school’s mission- with integrity and respect among participants • Opportunities to learn • Access to experts • Interactions among faculty members MRahman
Synchronous or Asynchronous • Synchronous-real time – all at the same time • Asynchronous- anytime anyone • Advantages • Disadvantages MRahman
Thread Discussions • Starts with a topic • Topic selection • Topic objectives • Topic lead • Directing the thread • Examples MRahman
Thread protocol • Thread rules • Beginning and closing dates • Feedback rules • Thread length • Thread language • Thread entries MRahman
Thread protocol • Relevance to the topic • Repeated responses ( how many times) • Duration thread remains open • Closing the thread • Grading rules • Example MRahman
Uses of thread • Use of the first thread – Introducing each other • Weekly subject discussion • Problem solving sessions • Team threads • Record of class attendance • Class participation MRahman
Choice of Media for Thread • Platform • Accessibility • Reliability • Robustness • Connection speed • Participants consideration • Text Thread • Text and Audio Thread • A/V Thread MRahman
Thread Feedback • Instructor’s feedback for each entry by student is important • Other student’s feedback and comments makes the contents useful and interesting • Only ‘Yes/no’, ‘I agree’ answers should be discouraged unless supported by comments • Promptly post weekly grades on the thread MRahman
Thread Benefits • Develop conceptual and subject area proficiency • Communication skill in the virtual world • Help develop analytical thinking, research skills, and ability to write short comments using in their own language • Creates publicly shared records of their performance • Removes fears of failure • Requires participation by all MRahman
Thread Examples • Suffolk University MBA- Financial Accounting • ZU BS(BS) – Challenges of Virtual Management MRahman
Caution! • Thread may become crowed • Thread may be not populated • Continuous feedback, revise and review is necessary • There are lazy and over jealous participants • Domination by a few • Don’t use or allow personal advice or negative value judgment on the thread • Watch your language and English MRahman
Academic Interactive Chat (AIC) • The nature and purpose of academic chat • Explain: why is academic chat different from informal chats? • AIC replaces the face-to-face class meetings • Reorient the students to the formal part of the AIC MRahman
Choice of media for AIC • Platform • Accessibility • Reliability • Robustness • Connection speed • Participants’ consideration • Which Option: • Text chat • Text and Audio chat • A/V chat MRahman
The Chat Process • Remember chat is live • Students need preparation • Chat should be relevant • Describe the chat subject area • Give them questions/topics to prepare • Don’t engage in lecture in the chat class • Ask the questions and direct the discussions • Explain the confusion and don’t monopolize MRahman
Chat protocol • Chat rules • Begin with greetings • Rules for chat comments • Answer length • Chat language • Chat entries • Example MRahman
Chat protocol • Chat protocol • Relevance to the topic • Repeated responses ( how many times) • Weekly chat and ideal duration • Language – minimum grammar and formality • Closing the chat • Grading rules • Example MRahman
Uses of Chat • Start with greetings, opportunity to create the rapport • Weekly review of assignments and progress • Problem solving • Team meetings • Record of class attendance • Class participation • Grading MRahman
Chat Feedback • Instructor’s feedback for entries made by students is important • Other student’s feedback and comments makes the discussion informative • Only ‘Yes/no’, ‘I agree’ feedback should be discouraged unless supported by comments • Promptly post grades on the chats MRahman
Chat Benefits • Develop conceptual and subject area proficiency • Communication skill in the virtual world • Help develop quick thinking and ability to write one or two sentences comments using in their own language • Creates publicly shared records of their performance • Removes fears of failure • Requires participation from all MRahman
Chat Examples • Suffolk University, Chat stats • Chat Examples • D:\Documents\KFUPM-Online\chat examples • Zayed University MRahman