Blog Post Module 4-Engaging Learners

Here is the link to my graphic organizer and reflection: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1dMwuHRmUHwWUU5SUhWWGY4U0U/edit

Assessing Collaborative Efforts - Module 3

Participation in a collaborative learning community is a key component to the success of the community. Due to other demands on learners; technical issues with computers; and differences in learner expectations, learner participation will not be equal and instructors need to address these issues at the beginning of the class (Palloff & Pratt, 2005). “The challenge isn’t that collaboration is an issue. That’s the positive. The challenge is: How do you change an assessment model that’s been pinpointed on individual learners” (Siemens, 2008a)? Siemens provides the following four models for assessment in a collaborative learning environment: peer assessment, peer feedback, students assessed on individual contributions, and students assessed based on metrics from learning management systems. Assessment needs to be “fair and direct, based on stated outcomes, and equitable” (Siemens, 2008a). Students have different levels of knowledge and skill that they bring to the classroom. Students who are used to being the brightest and assessed based on their individual work will have the hardest time with collaborative learning. In order to make sure assessment is fair and equitable; a large portion of the assessment needs to be based on participation. “The notion of equitable assessment is that it is based and tied tightly to participation” (Siemens, 2008a).

“The best way to get students to participate in a learning community is to tie the assessment participation that emphasizes working together” (Siemens, 2008b). There has to be a mixture of individual participation as well as collaborative participation. In order to have a successful collaborative environment, Siemens stated that there must be “a high level of trust, a combination of well-connected sources, and external connections to tightly knit groups” (2008b). If a student does not want to participate, the learners can try and talk to the student that is not participating but if they are unsuccessful in getting the learner to participate, the instructor must step in. By making sure there is an individual assessment as well as a group assessment, the instructor can help to ensure that all students will be willing to participate in a collaborative environment.

References:

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Siemens, G. (2008a) Assessment of collaborative learning [Video file]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6509797&Survey=1&47 11068223&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Siemens, G (2008b) Learning Communities [Video file]. Retrieved from

           http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6509797&Survey=1&47 11068223&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Here is my storyboard for the video presentation. I have never done this before, please give me feedback as to if I'm on the right track or not and any suggestions you have.

Thanks, Mel

Storyboard Video Presentation

Apparently you have to create an account on Prezi in order to view my storyboard, sorry. It's free and all you need is your e-mail and a password. =)

If the above link does not work. Try this one:

http://prezi.com/qtlaryxnnb-f/second-life-presented-by-philip-rosedale/