Virtual Collaborative Learning - Learner' guide

Copyright (C) 2015 Wiztango Software India Pvt Ltd All Rights Reserved.

Virtual Collaborative Learning Facilitated

Learners Guide v1.5

Copyright (C) 2015 Wiztango Software India Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

2 MAGMA global

? What do we all wish to achieve

Page 3

The Technologies

Page 4

The Starting Point Page 7

The Methodologies

Page 10

The Activities Page 18

Guidelines 3

The Stakeholders

Page 13

Navigation Page 27

who what when which where why & how

The Output Page 32


3 MAGMA global What do we all wish to achieve

Learn a relevant subject and

topics

Must be Enhance our communication skills [LSRW}

Listening | Speaking

Reading | Writing

In the most basic sense,

And as a bonus, get an opportunity to collaborate with professionals from interesting geographies & cultures


TECHNOLOGIES My learning space


5 MAGMA global Which technologies do I need

Voice discussions requires the SKYPE application. It is available for free as a download on your PC or as an app for smart devices. Register yourself and remember to share your id on WIZTANGO

WIZTANGO, my learning platform is available for free on the cloud. Registration happens via an invitation email. It is available as a free for smart devices.

Attend webinar sessions on GOTO MEETING. Clicking on the webinar URL will automatically download the application on to your PC. The URL is available in your WIZTANGO AGENDA tab. After clicking on the URL, follow the instructions to complete the process. It is also available as free app for smart devices.


6 MAGMA global What’ the recommended technology environment

Accessing the learning environment requires a PC. Recommended MS OS Windows 7.0 and newer

EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS

consider settings for daily digest versus all notifications

Email account RECOMMENDATION

For registrations, getting a private email account on Google GMAIL,

Hotmail or Yahoo mail

Browser WIZTANGO SKYPE GOTO MEETING

Microsoft IE

NO

All OK

Version 8.0 or newer

Mozilla Firefox

Version 19 – 36

Version 34 or newer

Google Chrome

Version 19 – 41

Version 36 or newer

Apple Safari

Version 7 - 8.0.3

Version 6.0 or newer

RECOMMENDED BROWSERs

MINIMUM INTERNET SPEED

256Kbits/second

Needless to say internet access is a must

In certain instances, if PC is unavailable , smart-phone or tab can also be used. Explore the ANDROID & iOS App-store to download apps. It is possible that the Apps may have limited functions as compared to the PC versions.


THE STARTING POINT Are you ready | Get SET


8 MAGMA global How do I get started

Registration is the first step in getting started, keep a look out for your WIZTANGO invitation email


9 MAGMA global How do I prepare for the start

A list of the topics with objectives, schedules and stakeholders might have been made available – click on the AGENDA tab to view

For preparation, video links, web pages, presentations, or other documents might have been made available – click on the RESOURCES tab to view or download

My experiences, background, interests, what I hope to get from my learning journey – thinking about what interesting stuff I could share with my learning stakeholders and then go ahead and share it in the STREAM tab

Preparation is another key factor for success,

take your time to familiarize


THE METHODOLOGIES Not the typical blah, blah, blah….


11 MAGMA global

To achieve the best learning outcomes, we focus on the

bottom half of THE LEARNING

PYRAMID

% indicates rate of retention

Source: National Training Laboratories, Bethel Maine

What do some of the learning experts believe

Generally, we are used to learning in a standard pattern, but


12 MAGMA global How do I enhance my communication skills

Strong communication skills are a must to achieve success in our career Communication skills can be divided into two distinct segments

RW Reading &

Writing

LS Listening & Speaking

o To have good LS skills, it is necessary to first develop strong RW skills o RW is all about practice o I have the opportunity to initiate and manage a written dialogue or debate. o On any given topic, my objectives are to first read all relevant documents and

then to share my opinions and thoughts in a meaningful and concise manner. o Sometimes I may offer counter points to other’ opinions as well as having to

defend mine

o RW practice will tune our minds to formulate our opinion and thoughts o LS too is all about practice o I have the opportunity to initiate and manage as many one-to-one meetings and

group conversations o On any given topic, my objectives are not only to speak about my thoughts and

opinions in a meaningful and concise manner but to also listen o We must keep in mind there are no perfect accents, some efforts are required

to overcome listening challenges o A good practice is to take notes and sharing the summary of the meeting


THE STAKEHOLDERS I am not alone


14 MAGMA global

My learning Buddy Higher Learning Institute

ME

Facilitator Industry Expert

Administrator Helpdesk

Who are my learning stakeholders

External People SME, Alumni, Mentor, etc.

Observers

My fellow Learners & Learning Buddies

Coming together to achieve the best learning outcomes


15 MAGMA global What’ the role of the Facilitator & Administrator

Administrator

1) Help-desk | Problem solving 2) Observing & jumping in 3) Advising 4) Cheering 5) Administrating

The Facilitator wears one hat whilst the administrator wears several

But both are always available

Facilitator

1) Facilitating learning 2) Problem solving 3) Introducing topics 4) Initiating discussions 5) Giving feedback 6) Sharing resources 7) Identifying external people


16 MAGMA global What are the Learner’ Profiles

Learner & Learning Buddy Learner & Learning Buddy

PROFILE • Working at a large global corporate • Working professional • Pretty busy with work • Availability limited generally after work • Looking to enhance position at

organization

Collaborative learning takes place with two groups of learners. We can say the Learner & the Learning Buddy. Both groups are here to learn. Therefore, from each of our perspectives I am both a Learner and also a Learning Buddy.

PROFILE • Studying at a higher education institute • Learning professional • Pretty busy with studying & partying • Availability relatively higher • Looking to obtain a good position at an

organization


17 MAGMA global What about these Learning Buddies

This may be a unique concept for most of us and so there may be some questions

How does a buddy get selected MAGMA partners with higher Education Institutes and share our requirements. It is the role of the institute to introduce the matching and interested candidates.

How do I scheduling a meeting On WIZTANGO, in the STREAM tab, a messaging app is available to ping my buddy with a suggested schedule and agenda

Do I speak only about the program topics We are free to speak on any topic as long as we keep a professional manner

Are the same buddies available for the entire schedule Yes, in case for drop-outs, replacement candidates may join

Do I have only one buddy During the program, we will do our best to mingle the buddies

Can I change my buddy Yes, it is possible, message the administrator stating your reasons

Can I speak with other buddies Yes, it is possible, as long as the buddies are willing to do the same

What is the mode of communication We use SKYPE to have a audio, video, one-on-one or group conversations


THE ACTIVITIES Yeah, I got stuff to do…


19 MAGMA global How does the learning happen

All together fixed time schedule

have social discussion & debate | attend webinar lectures | take assessments

Self paced free schedule

watching videos | reading documents | asking questions | sharing research | initiating discussions | participating in a discussion

Collaborative free schedule

one on one meetings |group conversations| complete project & assignments

Learning methodology is divided into

3 segments


20 MAGMA global How do I participate in activities

reading documents

accessing webpages

asking questions

being an initiator

watching videos

participating in a

discussion

FREE time or Self Scheduled activities for me by me on WIZTANGO

In the RESOURCES tab, videos may be available for viewing. About the video content, be sure to share comments and questions in STREAM.

In the STREAM tab, at any time before, during or even after completion do not hesitate to ask a question. Not asking is indeed a wasted opportunity and may result in others also not learning.

In the RESOURCES tab, PDF, PPT document formats are available for viewing. About the content, be sure to share comments and questions in STREAM.

In the STREAM tab, at any time initiate a discussion by sharing thoughts related to the topics. A high degree of chance for learning to happen thru such originations.

In the RESOURCES tab, web URLs are available for accessing. About the content, be sure to share comments and questions in STREAM.

Everyone has an unique perspective and opinions. In the STREAM tab, at any time respond to a discussion by sharing thoughts related to the topics.



project & assignment

group conversation

one-on-one meeting

Weekly, completing assignments based on a set of topics and a program-long project are part of the learning agenda. Either on SKYPE, collaborating with my learning buddies or sometimes on my own. Description, learning objectives and deadlines are all shared in the ACTIVITY tab on WIZTANGO.

Organizing a one-on-one meeting on SKYPE with my learning buddy is one of the ongoing activities. There is no limit to the frequency of online meetings. Scheduling a meeting is my initiative but confirming availability or proposing a change in schedule is up to my learning buddy.

Collaborative activities by me and my learning buddy on SKYPE & WIZTANGO

Some of the assignments may require to be conducted in a group conversation on SKYPE. I will lead the initiative to schedule the conversation.



webinar

assessment

social discussion &

debate

Weekly one or two webinar lectures lasting between 45 to 60 minutes are conducted by our facilitator. The objective of the webinar is either to introduce the topics or to discuss assignments and questions raised by the learners. Some of the lectures may be available on video at a later date. Webinars are conducted on GOTO MEETING.

Fixed Schedule activities for me on WIZTANGO & GOTO MEETING

Once a week, we will have an online social discussion and debate lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. It will be conducted by our facilitator. Participation is necessary to benefit from the live debate and discussion. It will be available in the STREAM tab on WIZTANGO.

We will have an online assessment on the topics of the week. The assessment may contain a combination of multiple choice and essay type of questions. There may be a fixed time duration and schedule. The duration of the assessment may be between 30 to 60 minutes. It will be available in the ACTIVITY tab in WIZTANGO.


GUIDELINES What? No way!!


24 MAGMA global What are the Do’s & Don’ts

ASSUMPTION We are all professionals and mature adults. We are here because we wish to be here and we wish to learn together. We are not expecting someone to tell us right from wrong.

OPPORTUNITY We each bring knowledge, know-how and experiences that certainly will benefit all. By contributing towards the learning of all, we ourselves will gain. Let us make our best efforts

KEEPING IN MIND There are surely differences & similarities in behavior, language, accent, culture, interests, challenges, etc. Based on our interactions, it is a wonderful opportunity to self-reflect & to learn


25 MAGMA global What should I be

be

& most important [KEEP YOUR WORD]

Patient

Proactive

Prepared

Punctual

Courteous

Respectful

Inquisitive

concise

active

humble

BOLD


26 MAGMA global How do I complain

IWNC

I Will Not Complain

Message the Administrator using WIZTANGO STREAM tab

Share the issue (s)

Offer a solution (if any)

Lets chat, agree &

implement

FYI suggestions, tips, recommendations are always welcome


NAVIGATION Not getting lost


28 MAGMA global WIZTANGO Top Level

My profile & settings

My account details

My discussions Click on & off for a quick tour of the

page


29 MAGMA global WIZTANGO Learning level

List of Program topics, schedule,

webinar URL..

All of my documents, videos, web pages

My assignments, assessments,

feedbacks List of my

stakeholders


30 MAGMA global GOTO MEETING for Webinars

Presentation

Audio settings

Facilitator video Online chat

List of attendees & microphone mute

option

NOTE | Bi-directional Audio Video chats require a strong internet connectivity & higher internet band-with


31 MAGMA global SKYPE for voice conversations

Contact list

Search by name or ID

Video or voice chat

Group conversation

Written chat

Video chats & group conversations do require a strong internet connectivity & higher internet band-with


THE OUTPUT Hmmm.. Is it already over


33 MAGMA global What are the learning outcomes

A new set of learning

colleagues

Empathy with a new culture

Better knowledge of a core subject

Enhanced communication

skills

A comprehensive report

Program feedback

Project & Assignment feedback

Rankings

Assessment results

Certificate of Completion


34 MAGMA global

An experience resulting in hands getting raised to mentor the next set of learners

What ‘s our opportunity to achieve

The first step…

Virtual Collaborative Learning - Learner' guide

Education

Transcript of Virtual Collaborative Learning - Learner' guide