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Linking Students to the Wider World via an Asynchronous Learning Network

Linking Students to the Wider World via an Asynchronous Learning Network. Susan Sarnoff, DSW Ohio University Dept. of Social Work. Overview. Many ALNs are devoted to distance learning There is less focus on bringing the wider world to students in a classroom

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Linking Students to the Wider World via an Asynchronous Learning Network

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  1. Linking Students to the Wider Worldvia an Asynchronous Learning Network Susan Sarnoff, DSW Ohio University Dept. of Social Work

  2. Overview • Many ALNs are devoted to distance learning • There is less focus on bringing the wider world to students in a classroom • This presentation will discuss ways that ALNs can be used to reverse the usual process---it will focus on bringing the world to the classroom-based student

  3. Students have limited experience with the wider world Travel is not always possible, given costs and conflicting schedules Some travel and face-to-face meetings are intimidating to students Guest speakers are costly, and students and speakers cannot always coordinate schedules ALNs allow inexpensive, asynchronous “visits” and consultations ALNs allow wider exposure in a single class than does travel Why Use ALNs in the Classroom?

  4. AND … because students need to learn to use technology in the context of their career fields.

  5. Publishers’ Websites Teaching notes Test banks Discussions with distant students using a common text Content Experts Textbook Authors Research Sites Possible ALN “Destinations”

  6. Discussion Boards for Students, Content Experts Invited Discussants (e.g. Virtual Guest Lecturers) Between-Class Discussion Links to Distant Students for: Shared data and research Shared cultural experiences Assignment Submission and Make-up Assignments Other Uses for In-Class ALNs

  7. Research Sites • Government Agencies • Special Interest Organizations • Think Tanks • Special Interest Libraries • Professional Associations • Data Banks (e. g., research, legislation)

  8. Advantages to Online Research • Frequent updates (maintained by others) • Ability to locate obscure information through search engines • Ability to amass comparative information from a wide variety of sources

  9. Potential Challenges of Online Research and Communication • Time differences (including different course schedules) • Incompatible formats • Translation problems • Encouraging students to participate fully and extensively

  10. Troubleshooting • PLAN • Pretest • Test on Multiple Platforms • Use Asynchronous Communication Methods • Ensure that Students Can Use the Technology • Offer Incentives and Guidelines for Participation

  11. Student Use of Technology • Keep It Simple • Keep It Content-Specific • Provide Orientation to New Technology • Require Pretests • Obtain Infrastructure Support

  12. Participation Incentives • Specify Clear Guidelines re: • Frequency • Form • Quantity and Quality • Communicate Purpose • Offer Credit for DOING • Make Integral to Course and Grading

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