Week 1: Overview, Readings and Resources

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Read

Time challenged? Read the first two on the list. 

  • Schwier, Richard A. (2002). Shaping the Metaphor of Community in Online Learning Environments (pdf). University of Saskatchewan, Paper presented to the International Symposium on Educational Conferencing. The Banff Centre, Banff, Alberta, June 1, 2002. 8 pages.
    Note:This fairly short paper discusses the elements of community and suggests implications for online learning communities. It is a fast, enjoyable read that, while pointing to challenges, also suggests ways to meet them.

  • RRU - CTET. (2008, Fall). Facilitating Online Learning (PDF) Tools for Teaching (T4T) Tipsheet, 1(2), 1-2.
    Note: This is a quick read and a must for for online facilitators!

If you don't have time to read the journal article by Thormann and Fidalgo, review the Abstract and the final sections - Discussion and Implications (pp383-385). 

If you don't have time to read the journal article by Vesely, Bloom and Sherlock, review the Abstract and Table 1: Factors ranked by faculty and students as most relevant to building community.


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And just for fun....