A ongoing problem of online classes is the lack of social interaction for students, particularly with their classmates. In particular, in-person discussions allow students to work through material together, generate shared understanding, and add a communal element to classes. Teachers have commonly attempted to address this shortcoming in online classes with virtual discussion boards, but these often lack significant engagement, sustained interaction, or the building of community. As a replacement for online discussion boards, virtual in-person small group discussions have been proposed as a means to foster community while maintaining the flexibility of online classes. This course will describe the procedure and process of establishing and managing in-person small group discussions in an online class. As part of the class students will be provided a reading on the potential benefits of the method, an existing rubric for the assignment, and participate in their own in person small group discussion.
- Teacher: Eric Van Holm