Keys to a Successful Online Learning Community

http://massageonline.wordpress.com/2007/11/18/skills-required-for-maintaining-a-successful-online-learning-community/

According to this blogger there are five key factors that take part in participating in a successful online learning community:

• Ensuring a shared vision
• Removing barriers to participation
• Encouraging participation
• Facilitating social interaction
• Sensitivity to group dynamics

However, what I found most interesting about the authors findings were how to be sensitive to group dynamics. He discusses how to handle online users becoming “fired up,” users interrupting others, and how to refrain from criticizing others. Many times we need to be reminded about online “netiquette.”

Lastly, I also feel it is important that the author reminds us that it is important for participants in an online learning community to constantly revisit the purpose of the community. This keeps the focus on the task at hand, and keeps members from getting off topic.

Honestly, I found this to be one of the most helpful sites I’ve come across, furthermore, the anonymous author leaves a list of references he uses throughout his blog.

Teaching With Tweeter

http://teachpaperless.blogspot.com/2009/05/best-practices-in-twitter-enhanced-high.html

Today many of us in the classroom teaching fight student’s urge of using their cell phones in class. Why not embrace this trend and use it for educational purposes? Although “Tweeter” first came on the scene for ordinary people to follow celebrates day-to-day lives, tweeter is now being used for educational purposes.

This blog entry discusses the different benefits of “tweeting” in and out of the classroom. One of the benefits of using Tweeter is it allows its participants to receive constant feedback, something we as teachers sometime have difficulty doing since we are pilled with paperwork to grade. Another benefit is the ability to participate in a community where you feel comfortable among your peers. Often times I have found that students who are quite in the classroom, are more than willing to participate in online discussions. For example, in our last classroom meeting, we participated in a Tweeter discussion where we role-played and responded to a topic as to how our character would have to the situation.

I can visualize myself using this in a classroom by setting up a scenario like the French Revolution, having some students play the role of a peasants, noblemen, a member of the bourgeoisie, or even King Louis XVI himself. Last night I saw a glimpse of the potential Tweeter has in the classroom. However, the main thing I enjoyed about the article was how it discussed the communal aspect of tweeter, the constant feedback, and the positive atmosphere it lends it self to.

Leading an online community

http://www.fullcirc.com/community/communityfacilitation.htm

This site informers the reader of reasons why one may want to create a online learning community, furthermore, Nancy White discusses what role the administrator will have to play in keeping the community a successful one.

Anyone can create an online community, but the real challenge is keeping everyone involved, and making them feel as comfortable as possible when sharing their thoughts.

I believe behind anything successful there is usually good leadership. Weather it be one individual, a couple, or committee.