Breaking the Ice: Supporting Collaboration and the Development of Community Online
April 13, 2007
Julie S. Dixon · University of Toronto, Canada
In this presentation, Julie Dixon explores the concept of transactional distance (Moore, 1993), which relates to the psychologically perceived distance that exists in all learning relationships and can be more evident and potentially problematic in online learning environments. Julie shares her preliminary research into the potential of icebreaker activities to ameliorate the transactional distance experienced by undergraduate students and instructors in online learning environments. Early results from the research have been positive and have led to recommendations for practice.
SIMILAR SESSIONS
Using 3D Virtual Worlds: Engaging Learners and Providing Social Support
Annand, David; Schwede, Gunnar; Heller, Bob; Eliott, Colin
Demonstrating how an avatar-based 3-D learning environment can more fully engage learners in their online educational experience, the volunteer team of developers from Athabasca University will showcase a prototype of a ...
Match: e-learning
State of the Nation: K-12 E-Learning in Canada
Barbour, Michael; LaBonte, Randy
The State of the Nation: K-12 E-Learning in Canada report continues to be Canada's unique benchmark for the expanding use of technology-supported blended and online learning in Canada. This ninth edition of the annual ...
Match: e-learning
Understanding and Facilitating: Emotional Presence in an Online Community of Inquiry
Cleveland-Innes, Martha; Campbell, Prisca
Research on emotional presence within an online community of inquiry demonstrates the salience of emotion in online learning. Those engaged in online learning deal with the effects of emotion on a daily basis, whether ...
Match: e-learning; online learning
An Investigation into the Use of an Orientation Course to Address Academic and Social Integration Issues
Kanuka, Heather; Jugdev, Kam
Distance education programs warrant the use of innovative intervention practices to enhance student learning experiences. Academic and social empathy by faculty has been shown to enhance student retention in programs ...
Match: e-learning; online learning
Project Management Process and Practices for Your e-Learning Efforts
Pasian, Beverly
Universities represent an organizational model on their own unique path toward project management maturity. Over the last decade, they have embraced project management practices in an attempt to apply a greater degree ...
Match: e-learning
Examining Collaborative Learning Processes in an Online Learning Course
Jahng, Namsook; Nielsen, Wendy
Collaborative learning in a project-based small group activity is a complex process. Groups may struggle with problems and conflicts throughout the process. Instructor’s careful observation and evaluation to provide ...
Match: collaboration
Revisiting Mega-Universities
Rubin, Eugene; Schweber, Claudine
In this CIDER Session, Gene Rubin and Claudine Schweber discuss John Daniel's 1996 book, Mega-Universities, the rapid rise of the for-profit universities in the U.S., and the new Asian oriented for-profit consortiums, ...
Match: e-learning
E-Learning 2.0
Downes, Stephen
This informative session by National Research Centre senior researcher Stephen Downes overviews the technologies, trends and thinking that are revolutionizing teaching, learning, government and ...
Match: e-learning
Best Practices and Lessons Learned: Developing, Implementing and Delivering Successful Distributed Learning Environments for your Students
Childs, Elizabeth; Jongedijk, Lara
What factors help to create effective online learning environments in K-12? In this session, Dr. Elizabeth Childs and Lara Jongedijk will report on the final data from nine provincial Connected Learner’s Technology ...
Match: e-learning
Re-Thinking E-Learning Research
Friesen, Norm
In education, novel practices, applications, and forms - from bulletin boards to Webcasts, and from online educational games to open educational resources - have been proliferating rapidly. However, research of these ...
Match: e-learning










