Virtual Interactions For Online Learning Online Chats and Threads

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 2 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Why interactivity AACSB’s – – – – – 3 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 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Synchronous or Asynchronous Synchronous-real time – all at the same time Asynchronous- anytime anyone Advantages Disadvantages 4 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Thread Discussions Starts – – – with a topic Topic selection Topic objectives Topic lead Directing the thread Examples 5 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Thread protocol Thread rules Beginning and closing dates Feedback rules Thread length Thread language Thread entries 6 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Thread protocol Relevance to the topic Repeated responses ( how many times) Duration thread remains open Closing the thread Grading rules Example 7 April 2, 2005 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 8 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Choice of Media for Thread Platform – – – – – 9 Accessibility Reliability Robustness Connection speed Participants consideration Text Thread Text and Audio Thread A/V Thread April 2, 2005 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 10 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Thread Benefits 11 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 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Thread Examples Suffolk University MBA- Financial Accounting ZU BS(BS) – Challenges of Virtual Management 12 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Caution! 13 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 April 2, 2005 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 14 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Choice of media for AIC Platform – – – – – Which Option: – – – 15 Accessibility Reliability Robustness Connection speed Participants’ consideration Text chat Text and Audio chat A/V chat April 2, 2005 MRahman

The Chat Process Remember chat is live Students need preparation Chat should be relevant – – 16 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 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Chat protocol Chat rules Begin with greetings Rules for chat comments Answer length Chat language Chat entries Example 17 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Chat protocol Chat – – – – – – – 18 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 April 2, 2005 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 19 April 2, 2005 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 20 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Chat Benefits 21 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 April 2, 2005 MRahman

Chat Examples Suffolk University, Chat stats Chat Examples D:\Documents\KFUPM-Online\chat examples Zayed University 22 April 2, 2005 MRahman