OnLine Conferencing Workshops

1
On-Line Conferencing Workshops

• Workshop 1
• - Educational aspects,
• - WebCT as a student.
• Workshop 2
• - Conferencing facilities,
• - WebCT as a tutor.
• Synchronous conferencing covered briefly in WebCT.

2
On-line Delivery Institutional advantages

• Theoretical infinite capacity.
• Reaches more widely dispersed students.
• Innovative and cost-effective.
• Flexible delivery.

3
On-line Delivery Learner advantages

• Space and time independent asynchronous learning.
• Suitable for disabled, have family and work
  commitments and limited funds.
• Text-based learning suited to those whose primary
  language is not English.
• Good vehicle for gaining communication and IT
  skills.

4
Asynchronous CMC

• Similar to a bulletin boards, eg. Newsgroups.
• Can usually be accessed at any time and place
  using a browser, eg. Netscape.
• Messages can be archived to allow for reflective
  learning.

5
Asynchronous CMC

• F2f at a distance, combining best of both
  modes. Student centred learning.
• Allows effective tutor-students, and
  student-student interaction.
• Teaches communication skills allows sharing of
  knowledge, experience and support.
• Students can work at their own pace, tutors can
  teach in off-peak periods.

6
Conference Management

• FFF - CMC must be fruitful, fast and fun to
  maintain student participation.
• Skilled tutors.
• Mature/PG learners with attitude and
  willingness to contribute.
• Good learner teamwork.
• Appropriate on-line and off-line activities.
• Good conferencing system.

7
Group Activities in CMC

• Especially useful for group and problem-solving
  tasks, eg
• Internet searching and evaluation.
• Web page/on-line magazine construction.
• Debates led and summarised by learners, perhaps
  involving role play.
• Construction of FAQ databases.
• Invited world-wide speakers.

8
Asynchronous CMC

• Disadvantages/dangers
• Steep learning curves for technology and new mode
  of teaching/learning.
• Information overload.
• Fewer cues for real meanings, eg. body
  language/voice intonation.
• Need for greater tutor input (but lower
  input/student).

9
CMC at UEL?

• WebCT now available on UEL network.
• Use to advantage, eg. where time/place are
  constrained.
• External speakers can be easily used.
• Group/problem solving tasks.
• Restrict to mature/PG students?
• Further discussion on WebCT.

10
WebCT Students facilities to try

• In the coming weeks please use the various
  facilities on WebCT, as if you were a student and
  I the tutor. The following are especially useful
  to begin with
• BULLETINS for discussion messages from
  participants on each workshop.
• HOMEPAGES to introduce yourselves to the group.
• REFERENCES further background information to
  each workshop.
• PRESENTATIONS I will put my PP presentations
  here.

11
Next Session

• More student and tutor conferencing facilities.
• Design your own classroom for use with your
  students.

12
Accessing WebCT as a student

• Go to http//161.76.9.68900
• Click on COURSE LISTING then JM.
• Click on the key symbol next to the course
  FACULTY EDUCATIONAL.... to create an account
  for yourself.
• Fill in the details and click on DONE. Dont
  forget your login ID and password.