Closing the Distance

Journal of Engineering Education, Apr 2006 by Rover, Diane T

In Chapter 8, the incorporation of collaboration in distance learning is presented through a number of techniques, summarized below.

* Developing a shared goal for learning

* Negotiating course guidelines by engaging the group in discussion

* Posting introductions and learning expectations

* Encouraging comment on introductions

* Forming teams and posting guidelines for their performance

* Encouraging a search for real-life examples

* Developing assignments related to real-life situations

* Facilitating dialogue among students

* Encouraging expansive questioning

* Sharing responsibility for facilitation

* Promoting feedback

* Promoting intergroup collaboration, i.e., with groups outside of the course

* Allowing students to share resources

* Allowing students to write collaboratively

Many of these techniques are familiar to educators using collaborative learning in the classroom, and this book considers their role in the online classroom. I was already using a few of the techniques in my distance classroom, such as having students post introductions during the first week of class using the WebCT discussion tool. Thus, this book validated some of what I was already doing. However, it also has provided new techniques and a deeper understanding of community in distance learning.

Pallof and Pratt have written several follow-on books that may also be of interest to readers of Building Learning Communities in Cyberspace (all published by Jossey-Bass):

* Lessons from the Cyberspace Classroom: The Realities of Online Teaching, 2001;

* The Virtual Student: A Profile and Guide to Working with Online Learners, 2003; and

* Collaborating Online: Learning Together in Community, 2004.

New media technologies will continue to emerge. Social networking and distance learning are growing phenomena. Social networking technologies (such as Facebook) have the potential to enhance community in distance learning environments. Whether a student is chatting with a friend across campus, or whether a student is teaming with a classmate across the country, there is a need to focus on creating community, either by virtue of or in spite of technology.

DIANE T. ROVER

Iowa State University