Assessing individual
participation in a collaborative learning community is a challenge to any
instructor. Siemens (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008) recommended changing the
assessment model to emphasize working together. It is important to build
accountability through acceptable assessment methods to increase participation
from all students. Morrison (2012) stated that it was an assessment through the
use of a rubric that raised the bar on online participation. A rubric provides
easy to follow, clear expectations for students. Rubric sections can include
the initial contribution, follow up contributions, word count for discussions,
and timing of contributions to the collaborative environment. Varying levels of
skill and knowledge students bring to a course can affect the fair assessment
of learning by favoring individuals comfortable with the environment. Piper
(2012) recommends combating unfair assessment by evaluating students based on
their skills areas. Students take roles in collaborative assignments that fit
their skill set, and are held accountable for these elements.
Getting students to participate in online learning communities can be a challenge for both the instructor and other students. Other members of the learning community should communicate clearly, be supportive of one another, focus on the tasks at hand, and actively participate with one another frequently (Morrison, 2012). The other members of the learning community have the responsibility to actively engaging other students, and keep them engaged. The instructor should play the role of facilitator and moderator (Morrison, 2012). The instructor designs course strategies based on learning objectives and creates guidelines and expectations for students. These expectations should be clearly identified within the assessment plan or rubric used with students. Clear communication within the learning community and clear assessment guidelines can go a long way to promote an effective collaborative online learning environment.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles
of Distance Education. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Morrison, D. (2012, June 28). The methods and means to grading student
participation in online discussions [Blog post]. Retrieved from: http://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/how-to-get-students-to-participate-in-online-discussions/
Morrison, D. (2012, June 22). How to get students to participate in online
discussions… [Blog post]. Retrieved from: http://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/the-methods-and-means-to-grading-student-participation-in-online-discussions/
Piper, K. (2012, September 20). Collaboration
in project-based learning: How assess fairly? [Blog post] Retrieved from: http://ilc21.org/collaboration-in-project-based-learning-how-assess-fairly/
I loved the ideas behind your video. Gamification may just be the future of education and I had not really thought about it until watching this video. I have always thought og games a s a way to supplement learning but not as the actual learning device. Good video well made.
ReplyDeleteDebbie Stripling