Start @ day 1
Reflecting on my first day of delivering online learning, I quickly realised a new style of classroom management is required. Historically, on the first day of face-to-face delivery, I engage the students in an activity called a "Working Agreement". This is a simple activity where the students work in groups to create an agreement on how the learning environment should look and feel. A common theme evolves with a pledge to respect peers, value different opinions and use one voice. The Working Agreement is a handy tool when classroom management sways in a different direction and acts as a gentle reminder on classroom etiquette.
Term 2 commences in two weeks in Western Australia and due to COVID-19, many educators will start delivering online. To ensure the online environment is successful, I recommend the first step you take is to create an online "Working Agreement" or a "Digital Participation Agreement". The underpinning theory is the students work collaboratively and participate in open dialogue to discuss how they want to work as a group. This activity creates a social community of learning and establishes a safe and secure learning environment, online and offline.
Allow Breakout time to collaborate
Collaborative learning is achievable within a digital environment through LMS or independent platforms. For collaboration I use "Breakout groups" in Blackboard Collaborate, assigning students to a group of 3-4 to discuss appropriate behaviour. After 5 minutes the students re-join the main room and work together to formulate the agreement using the whiteboard application. Microsoft Teams in Office 365 can produce the same results along with platforms like Poll Everywhere a free online interactive tool to encourage student engagement and participation.
It is important to create a style of classroom management online, review what currently works with your students and translate this into a digital application. Classroom management will deliver a sense of balance and improve health and wellbeing. A simple request to raise your "virtual hand" to turn on the microphone or post an emoji in the chatbox to check for understanding will promote active engagement and inclusivity for all learners.
Don't forget your Netiquette
Inaugurating appropriate online behaviour, known as Netiquette educates learners on how to communicate responsibly within a digital platform. Netiquette extends outside of the learning environment and can be applied to email communication and Social media platforms. The golden rule, don't post or email if you would not say this in person. Think before you post is it hurtful or is it helpful?
As an educator now working online we have a social obligation to establish a community of learners who are responsible and ethical online. Through modelling positive behaviour in the learning environment, we can work towards creating successful Global Citizens.
תגובות