Virtual Activewear
Small Group Activities in Synchronous,
Online Instruction
Dana Longley, Asst. Dir. for Library Instruction & Information Literacy,
SUNY Empire State College
@Home
Workshops:
ARE NOT:
• req’d (usually)
• credit-bearing
• video-based
• class-specific
ARE:
• via Elluminate
• voluntary
• 90 mins long
• evenings
• hands-on
• low tech/skill
accessible
• 1st yr-focused
Why Small Groups?
Learning
Objectives
Motivation
• Competition
• Community
• Pride
• Fun
The Ideal
Barriers to Success
• Time
• Technology (for students AND teacher)
• Anxiety; cognitive overload
• Perceived relevance
Best Practices
Keep it Simple
• Concise, clear instructions
• Provide examples
• One task; one L.O.
Scaffolding
• Icebreakers
• Feedback
• Time for
group
discussion
• Build to
complexity
Make it Tactile
"I was too excited over
using the white board
and working in a group.
This was a great
approach and i loved it.
Good job and thanks
for making learning
fun!"
Feedback
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