Graphic Organizer: Content, Communication, and Collaboration Module 4

This week, I designed a graphic organizer that depicts web tools and strategies that are best for involving learners in building content knowledge, engaging in communication with peers and instructors, and working on authentic, collaborative, problem-based tasks in the online environment.

The web tools that help learners build content knowledge are podcasts, research journals, blogs, and textbooks. These tools work well and offer benefits to students because they can be easily accessed and meet the course outcomes. For instance, students are able to download audio and visual podcasts to an ipod for easy access and use anytime and anyplace. Additionally, this allows students personal flexibility so they can work at that their own pace.

Additional web tools that engage student in communication with their peers and instructors are technologies such as skype, instant messaging, and email. According to Anderson (2008) these communication tools offer students direct communication to their instructors, as well as allow students to avoid time constraints imposed by synchronous or paced learning activities. On the other hand, instructors are able to utilize these communication tools for class debates, building relationships with students, or end of the quarter online celebrations.

Many online courses use web tools that enhance collaborative projects for students. For example, wikis and Google Docs allow students to post projects that they can edit and modify as well as offer feedback to one another. Additionally, discussion forums, social bookmarking, and second life offer students the opportunity to socialize and actively engage in discussions that develop critical thinking skills.
By utilizing these web tools, educators offer students experiences that are participative, engaging, and prepare them for work in the 21st century.

My graphic organizer

http://www.webspirationpro.com/view/1070096a1d8a1

Cynthia