Engaging the Online Learner: Activities and Resources for Creative Instruction

The Wabash Center

Author: Conrad, Rita-Marie, and J. Ana Donaldson
Publisher: Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA
ISBN: 0787966673
Book Review Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9647.2007.00335.x/abstract
Table of Contents: Preface
The Authors

Part 1 Constructing Activities to Engage Online Learners
ch. 1 Engaged Learning in an Online Environment
Engaged Learning in the Online Environment
Guiding Learners to Engage Online
Appropriate Activities for Each Phase
Summary

ch. 2 Designing Online Engagement
Adapting Classroom-Based Activities
Meeting the Needs of Online Learners
Choosing an Effective Communication Tool
Summary

ch. 3 Measuring Online Engaged Learning
Analyzing the Quality of Critical Thinking
Discussion Analysis Tools
Rubrics
Team Assessments
Reflective Self-Assessments
Summary

Part 2 Activities to Engage Online Learners
ch. 4 Learning to Use Online Tools
Building Students' Skills in Using the Necessary Tools
Skill-Building Activities to Try
Skills Survey
Drag and Drop
Library Search
I Can Find That
Scavenger Hunt
Syllabus Quiz

ch. 5 Online Icebreakers
Characteristics of an Effective Icebreaker
Icebreakers to Try
Bingo
Classmate Quiz
Lineup
Lost in Space
Name That Movie
One Word
Portrait
Room with a View
Snowball
Things
Truths and Lies
What Kind of Animal?
Why Are We Together?

ch. 6 Peer Partnership and Team Activities
Moving Dyads to Teams
Peer Partnership and Team Activities to Try
Contest of the Week
Dyad Debate
Group Contract
How's My Driving?
Medieval Shield
Progressive Project
Structured Chat
Structured Discussion

ch. 7 Reflective Activities
Characteristics of an Effective Reflective Activity
Reflective Activities to Try
Aha!
Bumper Sticker
Critical Insight
I Didn't Know That
IRAs
More Words to Lead By
Picture
Summary Words

ch. 8 Authentic Activities
Characteristics of an Effective Authentic Activity
Authentic Activities to Try
Case Study
Celebrity Chat
Cross-Region Discussion
Team Problem Solving
Pyramid
Social Responsibility

ch. 9 Games and Simulations
Characteristics of an Effective Game or Simulation
Games and Simulations to Try
Group Problem-Based Learning
Jilligan's Island
Spreadsheets
Virtual Field Trips
WebQuest

ch. 10 Learner-Led Activities
Activities Led by Individuals Versus Teams
Conveying Outcomes
Choosing the Type of Activity
Adequate Orientation and Planning Time
What Do Learners Think About Learner-Led Activities?

Examples of Learner-Led Activities
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4

References
Index

Engaging the Online Learners includes an innovative framework—the Phases of Engagement—that helps instructors become more involved as knowledge generators and cofacilitators of a course. The book also provides specific ideas for tested activities (collected from experienced online instructors across the nation) that can go a long way to improving online learning. Engaging the Online Learner offers the tools and information needed to:

· Convert classroom activities to an online environment and use online activities in a classroom-based course

· Assess the learning that occurs as a result of collaborative activities

· Phase-in activities that promote engagement among online learners

· Help online learners use online tools

· Build peer interaction through peer partnerships and team activities

· Create authentic activities

· Implement games and simulations
(From the Publisher)