BREAKOUT SESSION
Helping Learners be Productive in Online Discussion Groups
Michael Mann, Nebraska Medical Center,
Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Susan Batten and Carlos Baptista, Medical
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this
breakout session is for conference attendees to share successful strategies,
explore time management issues, and offer ideas for implementing online
discussion formats.
Managing web-based
communication is troublesome; not only is the demand on faculty time crucial,
but the possibility for misinterpretation exists when nonverbal cues are
missing. Within current web-based learning environments, both synchronous and
asynchronous formats are widely used; video conferencing is available but
utilized to a lesser extent.
The success of online
healthcare education discussion groups is related to numerous factors,
including time zone differences, participant ability to listen and respond in a
non-native language, and external factors such as system quality and network
availability.
Healthcare education
faculty have reported that online discussion offers a "voice" for
students with less inclination to talk in a traditional classroom setting. The
asynchronous format allows learners to write and edit off-line, which can enhance
writing skills when faculty provide critique. The synchronous format requires
quick response and can simulate actual talking; likelihood of trivial or
repeated comments is lessened when faculty participate.
Incorporation of
online discussion into healthcare education courses requires consistent faculty
presence, raises concern about application of reliable grading measures, and
issues related to validation of student participation. Quality online dialogue
can contribute to student learning, but faculty are unclear as to what is most
essential, effective, and efficient.
BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:
Session will provide
time to share successful strategies and encourage problem solving among
attendees. Ideas for implementing online discussion groups will explored as
well as means to evaluate student learning and participation.
Michael D Mann PhD
Professor of
Physiology and Biophysics
985850
Phone: 402-559-7166
Fax: 402-559-4438
CO-AUTHORS:
Susan W G Batten RN
PhD
Carlos A C Baptista
MD PhD
Medical College of
Ohio
School of Nursing:
Collier 4428
3015 Arlington Avenue
Toledo, Ohio 43614
Medical College of
Ohio
Center for Creative
Education, 2117
3035 Arlington Avenue
Medical College of
Ohio 43614
Phone: 419-383-5859
419-383-4283
Fax: 419-383-5894