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| Description: | This workshop focuses on using small student groups to create online writers' workshops. These writers' workshops are based on collaborate learning theory. Students are involved in all phases of the writing process. Participants will learn how to create small groups by using the WebCT discussion tool and develop questions and assignments which will produce student interaction. |
| Presentation Format: | Oral |
| Topic: | Enabling learning: Effective instructional practices and flexible design models |
| Target Audience: | Course Designers, Faculty and Other Instructors |
| Appropriate Audience Level: | Experienced WebCT users |
| WebCT Version: | |
| Abstract Text: | One criticism of online education is that communities of learners can not be established as in a classroom. Some say that collaborative learning cannot take place effectively online. In our showcase presentation, we answer these criticisms. We focus on best practices that provide a learning environment wherein small groups of students create on-line writers’ workshops. In these workshops learning occurs, and a community of writers as learners is created. One WebCT tool that makes this possible is the Discussion Tool. The Discussion Tool is used as a place where students respond to specific assignments, and when we assess the students’ writing abilities during the fourth week of class, students are assigned groups. Each group consists of strong, average, and weak writers. Using the Discussion Tool as a way to talk with one another, each group, along with our input, establishes guidelines for working together. Students are involved in all phases of the writing process, including reviewing thesis statements, research proposals, synthesis essays, annotated bibliographies, and rough drafts, culminating in each student submitting a final paper. Students review and comment on each others’ writing throughout the course. Additionally, students create their own evaluation criteria with our help and encouragement. These on-line writers' communities allow students to make meaning of their learning, provide valuable feedback for their writing, and keep them actively involved in their own writing process. By taking ownership of their work and helping others, they develop confidence in their abilities as writers and reviewers. In today’s global learning world, distance education affords students the opportunity to control their own learning. When a challenging and engaging environment is provided for students, everyone benefits. During this presentation, we will offer best practices to help you create a community of learners no matter what discipline you teach. |
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