Innovative Online Discussions and Projects

BW316 To Infinity and Beyond with Innovative Online Discussions and Projects Add to ISTE Planner

[Concurrent Session : BYOL (Bring Your Own Laptop)]

Wednesday, 6/29/2011, 1:15pm–2:15pm

Catlin Tucker, Windsor High School with Colt Briner

Experience the limitless possibilities of a structured online discussion tool: dynamic discussions, community-building activities, student-driven projects, and collaborative formal and creative writing. You’ll leave inspired!

This session will provide attendees:

Support materials to aid them in creating and maintaining a safe space online- focusing specifically on “Dos and Don’t of Student Online Communication” and “Say Something Substantial: Establishing Clear Expectations for Student Participation”.
Strategies for designing discussion questions that drive higher-level thinking.
An opportunity to explore innovative student driven projects/assignments compatible with Collaborize Classroom.
Hands-on practice with Collaborize Classroom, a free online discussion tool available to teachers. Attendees will actively participate in example ice breakers and discussion questions.

15 minutes – Importance of Creating and Maintaining a Safe Space Online

Establish clear expectations for student communication and participation online.
Discuss online ice-breakers to build community and foster relationships.
Attendees will complete a sample ice-breaker. Results page will show them the results/outcomes of their responses/discussion.

15 minutes – Art of Asking Questions

Discuss strategies for designing complex, interesting questions that drive higher-level thinking skills.
Attendees will experiment designing and posting questions related to their field of study.

15 minutes – Using an Online Discussion Forum to Facilitate Student Driven Projects/Assignments

Examples of the following will be posted on a sample Collaborize Classroom site for participants to explore: Challenge Based Learning Project, Literature Circles, Reciprocal Learning Opportunities, Creative Writing Assignments, etc.
Attendees will visually “see” how an online discussion tool can support innovative learning experiences for students. Questions about the various projects/assignments will be addressed during this part of the session.