Engaging the Online Learner
This updated edition includes an innovative frameworkthe Phases of Engagementthat helps learners become more involved as knowledge generators and cofacilitators of a course. The book also provides specific ideas for tested activities (collected from experienced online instructors across the nation) that can go a long way to improving online learning. Engaging the Online Learner offers the tools and information needed to:
- Convert classroom activities to an online environment
- Assess the learning that occurs as a result of collaborative activities
- Phase in activities that promote engagement among online learners
- Build peer interaction through peer partnerships and team activities
- Create authentic activities and implement games and simulations
Praise for Engaging the Online Learner
"The Phases of Engagement framework provides a road map for creating community at each phase of an online course. This book is an invaluable guide to innovative practices for online learning."
Judith V. Boettcher, coauthor of The Online Teaching Survival Guide
"Engagement is the heart of online learning. The authors have developed an encyclopedia of tried-and-true learner engagement activities that are authentic and ready to use."
Donald P. Ely, professor emeritus, instructional design, development and evaluation in the School of Education, Syracuse University
Table of Contents:
Preface vii
Overview of the Contents ix
Updates ix
Acknowledgments x
An Invitation x
The Authors xi
1 Learning in an Online Environment 1
Engaged Learning in the Online Environment 4
Guiding Learners to Engage Online 7
Appropriate Activities for Each Phase 11
Summary 11
PART ONE Constructing Activities to Engage Online Learners 15
2 Designing Online Engagement 17
Adapting Classroom-Based Activities 18
Meeting the Needs of Online Learners 20
Choosing an Effective Communication Tool 21
Summary 26
3 Measuring Online Engaged Learning 27
Analyzing the Quality of Critical Thinking 28
Discussion Analysis Tools 29
Rubrics 29
Team Assessments 30
Reflective Self-Assessments 34
Summary 37
4 Learning to Use Online Tools 38
Building Students’ Skills in Using the Necessary Tools 38
PART TWO Activities to Engage Online Learners 49
5 Online Icebreakers 51
Characteristics of an Effective Icebreaker 52
6 Peer Partnership and Team Activities 67
Moving Dyads to Teams 68
7 Reflective Activities 81
Characteristics of an Effective Reflective Activity 82
8 Authentic Activities 92
Characteristics of an Effective Authentic Activity 93
9 Games and Simulations 101
Characteristics of an Effective Game or Simulation 102
10 Learner-Led Activities 114
Activities Led by Individuals Versus Teams 114
Conveying Outcomes 115
Choosing the Type of Activity 115
Adequate Orientation and Planning Time 115
What Do Learners Think About Learner-Led Activities? 117
Examples of Learner-Led Activities 118
References 129
Index 132
About the Author :
RITA-MARIE CONRAD has been teaching, designing, and consulting on online courses for nearly two decades. She consults on the design, implementation, and evaluation of online courses, and provides training to community college and university faculty. A frequent presenter on the topic of online instruction, she is also coauthor of The Online Teaching Survival Guide published by Jossey-Bass.
J. ANA DONALDSON retired as an associate professor of instructional technology from the University of Northern Iowa. She continues her love of teaching online by working part-time as a contributing faculty member for Walden University. She also provides instructional design and program evaluation consulting and has presented workshops on using technology to apply the principles of engaged learning.
