MHE632 Building Online Learning Communities
MHE 632 Building Online Learning Communities focuses on working with learners and communicating within an online learning environment. Topics covered will include synchronous and asynchronous communication and interaction, online discussion facilitation strategies, developing clear course policies and expectations, engaging students in active learning, planning and managing group activities, strategies for working with difficult students, and developing a course community online. Effective course management strategies for the online classroom will also be explored. Students will examine the importance of clear, consistent communication in the online classroom.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. explain a variety of communication strategies applicable in an online learning environment
2. analyze and assess asynchronous and synchronous methods of communication within an online course
3. develop strategies for engaging students in active learning and encouraging collaboration and interactivity in the online classroom
4. examine and express the impact that group work has on online learning communities
5. employ effective strategies for managing disruptive students and other student- related challenges in the online classroom
6. assess the importance of setting clear guidelines and expectations within an online course
7. explain the unique profile and needs of an online learners and how to work with this population of students in the online classroom
8. evaluate the components of a well-designed online student orientation
9. explain strategies for assessing online learners with collaborative activities 10. examine the value of student reflections and course evaluations
Required Texts:
1. Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2007) Building online learning communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
2. Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2003) The virtual student: A profile and guide to
working with online learners. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
