Online Learning Activity Templates Discussion activities Within each box below is suggested wording for a learning activity using an online discussion tool. Each is based on actual activities used in UK Higher Education. They have been de-contextualised so that educators can input their contexts. A key feature of these activities is the process support provided in the wordings establishing how the students should engage in the activity AND how the educator will be engaging. This is something I strongly recommend.
Access and motivation Motivation Discussion What is your motivation for taking this course? Please contribute to this discussion and check back at least twice during the two week period to see what others’ are thinking. You are invited to comment further in this dialogue. I will facilitate this discussion and summarise the motivations at the end. Past experience of e-learning Discussion What is your experience of online learning? Share your experiences with fellow participants and check back at least twice during the two week period to see what you have in common with others. You are invited to comment further in this dialogue. Online socialisation Introductions Discussion In this discussion, please introduce yourself and share some workplace details. Get to know your fellow participants by visiting this discussion at least twice during the allotted time period. Introduce yourself to at least two other participants by replying to their posts. Heroes Discussion Who is the person you’d most like to meet and why? Get to know your fellow participants by visiting this discussion at least twice during the two week period. For any postings which interest you, make a comment by replying to their post. Do this for at least two fellow participants.
Information exchange Simple Concept Discussion? What do you understand the term xxxx to mean? Please share your thoughts within this Discussion activity. This is principally a dialogue between you and your fellow students so please ensure you visit and contribute at least three times in the two week period.
Summary of readings Discussion From the list and links to readings provided, choose one to read and summarise. In no more than 200 words please post your summary into this discussion clearly identifying which reading it is. Return regularly to read summaries of other readings. Comment on at least two other summaries. You might like to pick summaries of the same reading and compare with what you wrote.
Case Study Discussion Read this article and case study (linked). Think about on how the techniques described in the article have been applied in the case study. Share your thoughts in this discussion activity. Return regularly during the two week period to see what others’ think and engage in the dialogue by posting at least twice. Knowledge construction Contentious Issue Discussion XXXX is often a divisive issue in this field. Where do you stand on this position and why? Please share your thought in this discussion activity. If your position has already been stated been, please still share your thoughts as your reasons will differ. If any learning from this course has contributed to your current position, please share this as well. Return regularly during the two week period to see what others’ think and engage in the dialogue by posting at least twice. Debate For the issue – xxxx, two distinct positions can be taken. You have been assigned to argue for one side of this, consult the list to see which side. In this discussion activity, Use the first week to discuss how your side will debate the issue taking the stated standpoint. Use evidence and theory to back up your arguments. In the second and third week debate the issue with the other side. Return regularly during the two week period to see what others’ think and engage in the dialogue by posting at least twice each week. I will summarise the debate at the end of the activity and highlight where participants have argued convincingly.
Development Reflection on learning Discussion Share and discuss how your thinking has moved on in relation to the issue – xxxx. Return regularly during the two week period to see what others’ think and engage in the dialogue by posting at least twice each week. Tom Preskett, 2012 http://tpreskett.blogspot.com/