RSA 4

http://web.ebscohost.com.cucproxy.cuchicago.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=6&sid=f05e7f25-ed84-4205-b904-b410849b2a69%40sessionmgr111&hid=128

Working in a progressive education school inquiry based learning is one area we strongly believe in. Just like Palloff and Pratt state in the text, “when students engage with each other in discussion, the possibilities for collaboration grow significantly.” I have seen this in action over the last few years but never had the opportunity to further research the topic. In 2011 Vacek conducted a study on the teaching strategy of Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL). POGIL is a technique that combines both content and process skills together. Students learning during this technique often work collaboratively in teams to reach the learning goal. This technique is often used in lab environments where processes of getting to an answer are just as important as the content itself. In his study he found that the class that was conducted using the POGIL teaching strategy increased the students understanding when compared to the control group.  These results reaffirm the way that I conduct my classroom. I give students the tools and a goal, and they ask and answer their own questions along the way to reaching the learning goal. The goal is obtained with a deeper understanding because the students learned it themselves verses being taught in lecture format.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2007). Building Online Learning Communities. San Fransiciso, CA: Jossy-Bass.

Vacek, J. J. (2011). Process Oriented Guided Learning (POGIL), A Teaching Method From Physical Sciences, Premotes Deep Stident Learning in Avaition. Collegiate Aviation Review , 78-88.

RSA3

http://web.ebscohost.com.cucproxy.cuchicago.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=ef9df0b2-35ce-4732-b507-7909c7e9275c%40sessionmgr111&vid=8&hid=126

Building online learning communities there are many aspects that need to be considered to ensure successful discussions. Social presence is one attribute when selecting a medium to use for the community.  Social presence is the degree in which someone participates in communication using a chosen media. Weather this is raising your hand in class or being an active participant in online discussions. To ensure satisfaction with the learning community, the topic area also plays a key factor.

While it is perceived that high participation has a direct correlation to deeper understanding, Palloff and Pratt suggest that there is no correlation of high social presence and a deeper understanding of material being taught (2007). This is often assumed by teachers but untrue. What does have an effect on social presence is level of interest on the topic of discussion. This statement is further supported by a study done by Leong in 2011. The study was conducted to see if there was a role of social presence and cognitive absorption in online learning environments. Leong came to this conclusion by surveying 294 students who were enrolled in 19 online or online hybrid courses and the University of Hawaii. After analyzing the surveys, Leong concluded that interest affects social presences and satisfaction directly.

Social presence is one attribute that is necessary to conduct an effective online learning community. More importantly, the interest in the topic has a larger effect on cognitive absorption when compared to social presence. When developing an online community, the host needs to consider how to make the topic interesting as well as making the online interface conducive for easy communication between parties.

Leong, P. (2011). Role of social presence and cognitive absorption in online enviroments. Distance Education , 32 (1), 5-28.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2007). Building Online Learning Communities. San Fransiciso, CA: Jossy-Bass.

PLC Tech Tool

PLC Name: 1:1 TLC (Teacher Learning Community)

PLC Tool: VoiceThread

PLC Mission: The mission of 1:1 TLC is to give teachers a way to share activities done in the classroom with iPads that that honors the whole child, fosters creativity, inspires lifelong learning, and develops civic responsibility.

PLC Vision: Teachers will share their activities done with the 1:1 initiative that show how they helped develop learners who are compassionate citizens, who contribute to their community, and are well prepared for a dynamic future.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. I am looking forward to applying what I learn to fellow staff in my building and district.