Journal #3 Keep them chatting online

Cole, Jeanie (2009, February). Keep them Chatting. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36 No.5, Retrieved 2/21/09, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200902/

Summary
Having problems getting your students to chat in a K-12 online course? Jeanie Cole has several suggestions for how to get them talking. Before starting teachers should plan the objectives and outcomes of each discussion. Her first suggestions is to ask high-level open ended questions that require collaboration where each member is responsible for a portion of the answer and comments on the other student‘s entries. Another approach is to ask them a question that requires research and problem solving and have them report it in Google’s shared documents. Show them an unexplained video clip, photograph, demonstration, or a simulation then pose a question, such as “Where did all the Mayas go?” Have them do detailed research and a group wiki about it. Teachers can pose a survey question like, “discuss the perfect rollercoaster” then have the students create a simulation based on their own specifications. A final suggestion is to use illogical comparisons, such as comparing Guinevere to Miss Piggy. Student can compare and contrast the two in a group wiki then create an Arthurian legend for Miss Piggy.

I thought she had some really creative ideas. I liked how each situation naturally required the student to use a range of skills, do additional research, and collaborate. It’s not easy to get students to go beyond what is required and to avoid the cut and paste mentality. Clearly her position as a manager of digital learning and instruction has given her plenty of experience in this area. I was impressed when she said that they’ve had to extend enrollment for some classes because the kids just keep talking and the discussions were so active and productive.

What psychology does she use to get the students involved?

She says that when students discover content for themselves they take ownership in their work. Also she taps into their sense of pride by allowing other students to view their work.

What ideas can I see myself using in a 9-12 class?

I liked the idea of introducing a lesson with a video clip or another unexplained visual. This could be used in a variety of subject areas. Her idea about comparing Miss Piggy to Guinevere and constructing an Arthurian legend could be adapted by allowing students to choose characters from their favorite T.V. shows.