Online DiscussionsIn a Face-2-Face Classroom

Brunsell – ELSAC Institute, June 2011Image Source: Extra Ketchup’s Flickr Photostream

In an educational setting, “social software technologies can work together to support learning and foster community and

interaction in the online and blended classroom” (Baird & Fisher, 2006, p.24).

Image Source: Extra Ketchup’s Flickr Photostream

findings across 5 classroom projects:• Brunsell, Alderton & Mason (2010) Undergraduate students - UWO

• Chris Cimino (2009) High School Biology – California

• Nancy Bryant (2010-2011) AP Environmental Science – North Carolina

• Katherine Theobald (2010-2011) High School Biology – Virginia

• Brandon Fritz (2010 – 2011) High School Earth Science - Iowa

access

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what we learned…

Image Source: Extra Ketchup’s Flickr Photostream

Image Source: Extra Ketchup’s Flickr Photostream

The weekly discussions online helped me to talk things out and solve problems. It not only helped with explanations but they gave me

more time to think and plan.

I had more time to look things up on Google and base my opinions on specific things using what I found along with what

others thought. They also helped me be more open minded..

Image Source: Opedagogen Flickr Photostream

Reading others’ posts helped contribute to my own ideas and combine them into one. And, they made me

refine my own ideas better.

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Analyze, Evaluate, Create

Reporting or Retelling

Fritz 2011

Fritz 2011

Fritz 2011

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Reduced Anxiety

“when you’re in a community there is a feeling of comfort that arrives...it is easier to learn when you feel comfortable in your surroundings.”

“I’m a little shy in the classroom but I can read other comments and use theirs as a sample for writing my own.”

“I feel like I talk differently online because I can compose my answers. I knew I wouldn’t sound stupid and it gave me time to edit my thoughts before sharing.”

“If other people are on the site to share views and work, it makes you more comfortable to do the same thing.”

“I could also compose my thoughts and write what I wanted whereas I get flustered or confused in class.”

Image Source: Earlham College’s Flickr Photostream17%

72%

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Sizematters

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The Prompt Matters

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Student Teacher>

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Support Matters

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Your TurnRead with a Question in Mind:

But what does it mean to be truly, authentically literate?

Post in Edmodo Discussion Groups1-2 quotes or phrases that really stick out…and why?