Promoting Collaborative Learning

Welcome to Week 4!

Read the following article

Collaboration is important to the “development of a learning community and achieving the desired outcomes for the course” (Palloff & Pratt, 2007). Palloff and Pratt take the same position many experts have taken in the belief that collaboration is the “most powerful principle” in online learning.

With this in mind, answer the following question prior to completing this week’s discussion assignment.

Which elements does the article recommend for building both collaborative skills and community?

According to Palloff and Pratt which three ways specifically should instructors and instructional designers postulate and promote the development of collaborative skills?

List at least two benefits of collaboration for learners taking online courses.

By Tuesday:
Post your own “original” introduction with learning expectations to any undergraduate online course. Minimum length 2 paragraphs. Maximum length 4 paragraphs.

By Thursday:
Respond to the postings of at least two classmates. Responses are expected to be not only respectful, but it must deepen, expand on, question or analyze the ideas presented by your classmate(s). Simply responding with one sentence (for example) Good Job! Or I totally agree is unacceptable.

 If you need more information the standards for this discussion board and participation requirements can be found by clicking on the following link:

or copy and paste this link to the address bar http://www.ic.sunysb.edu/Class/che326ff/discussion_board/etiquette.pdf

By Sunday: Return to this discussion board and post at least one resource that you locate from a (website, journal, or article) that instructors can use as a tool to promote collaborative learning. Hint. Refer to the resource sharing section of this week’s article.

Rubric Rationale

• Student posts initial, secondary and tertiary requirements to the discussion board in a timely manner

• Student addresses each of the discussion prompts identifying the (3)elements that aid instructor(s) in postulating and promoting collaborative learning

• Student is able to construct and introduction that discusses the expectations or activities which lays the foundation for collaborative learning, and identifies at least two benefits for learners participating in collaborative learning. For example, collaborative learning helps to bring learners closer and reduce feelings of isolation.

• Student shares at least one credible resource instructors and/or instructional designers can use to promote collaborative learning

RUBRIC