Assessing
Collaborative Efforts * Blog Post #3
Facilitators
are able to use different methods to assess student participation within a
collaborative learning community. Educators that utilize a learning management
system can assess their students on (a) how many times their students logon,
(b) how many hours their students spend online, (c) how many times their
students spend on the group – related activities, and (d) how many posts their
students contribute within a learning discussion or activity (Laureate
Education, 2008). George Siemens (Laureate Education, 2008) says assessment is
to be fair, equitable, direct, and relating to student outcomes. One of the
best ways to support student participation within a collaborative learning
community is to have the facilitator change their assessment model. An example
is to have learners’ role – play participating within their high – functioning learning
community (Laureate Education, 2008). Designers
look towards creating both individual and community relating activities.
If
a student does not want to network or collaborate in a learning community for
an online course, there is potential for a systemic breakdown. It will be
necessary for members of the learning community to understand their role within
the online learning community. Cooperation among group members is critical for
the purpose of completing tasks (Laureate Education, 2008). Group members
establish guidelines, expectations and establish agreements within their
organization. Facilitators can support a successful collaborative online
environment by (a) showing competence, (b) communicating clearly with learners,
(c) creating a safe container for the group, (d) connecting and relating with
learners, and (e) promoting self – organization and empowerment (Palloff &
Pratt, 2005, p. 17). Siemens (Laureate Education, 2008) says a successful
collaborative online environment has several characteristics. Collaborative
online environments have a high level of trust. Collaborative online environments provide information sources. Collaborative online environments allow learners to engage in relationships with tightly knit groups (Laureate Education, 2008).
References
Laureate Education,
Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Palloff,
R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in
community.
SanFrancisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.