Participation
Today I spoke with a UBC student who had previously taken an online course. This person recommended to me that I respond to other’s posts in both my online classes as often as possible. They recommended even adding small comments such as “great point” because instructors check the actual number of times you respond and use this number for grading purposes. I hope this is not the case because this would lead to comments without any depth. I hope that instructors would prefer quality over quantity. Has anyone else had this experience in any of the online courses?
Posted in: Questions & Answers
Doug Connery 7:08 pm on September 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Jen:
In my experience with MET courses, quality is valued over quantity. Check out the Rubric provided for Assignment 4 which covers participation to guide you along through the discussions.
Doug.
teacherben 7:14 pm on September 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I would agree with Doug. Say something interesting (or controversial) that generates a lot of responses and further discussion and you will be in good stead. And to be honest, don’t worry too much about your grades. Class averages in every course I have taken save one have been above 80%.
David Vogt 8:40 pm on September 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I concur. “Filler” comments may be noted, but only negatively. Please remember that I’ve got to struggle with the volume as well, so any dip in quality is annoying and memorable in the wrong way.
Given the number of tools and plug-ins available in WordPress, we could easily implement a system where everyone could ‘like’ and ‘unlike’ other peoples’ contributions, completely anonymously. This could potentially resolve the ‘filler’ issue, but I’m guessing it would also cause more social unrest and ‘gaming’ behaviours than we’d want. Thoughts?
jenbarker 9:59 pm on September 12, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thanks for all the responses. David, I am glad to hear that what I heard was just a “rumour” and that this online course (as I hope is the case with other courses in MET) value quality. Doug, I did look at the rubric again this afternoon and it was helpful. I like the part about adding links to our most valuable comments.
Peggy Lawson 6:16 pm on September 13, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I’ve always thoughougly enjoyed my MET discussions. Now in my 9th class I appreciate, as David mentioned in his Online Manners post, posts that:
* add to the conversion; are not just an “I agree!” type of comment (but never say never – there are always exceptions)
* are generally kept brief. I can be bad for long, rambling posts but try very hard to avoid.
* the poster takes time to proof-read before posting – and edits out excess content if possible
* are sometimes slightly off-topic, but produce great discussions in an equally useful – or more so – direction.
I’ll add one more thing. Our simple usenames that head our posts are often cryptic. I often find it nice if we add our real name to each posts, so we can reply to a real name.
Peggy
jenniferschubertubc 9:57 am on September 18, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Running the risk of a slap on the knuckles, “I agree” with Peggy…
This class is my 7th (or 8th, as I’m taking two this semester), and I have found that although I prefer to create a multimedia project or, sometimes, even write a research paper, the bulk of my learning has come through discussion. I am a bit introverted by nature, so putting my own thoughts out there to be “judged” (not in actuality of course, but often in my own head) can be a bit nerve wracking, overwhelming and difficult. However, doing so in such a non-threatening environment that fosters discussion has been overwhelming helpful not only in sharing my thoughts for forming and reforming them as a result of ongoing communication.
That obviously cannot be done through simple “I agree”s.
I also must admit that I enjoy when a thread goes just a little off topic. I have been able to learn about my classmates, which I feel is something that people can easily disregard in the online environment if always solely focusing on the topic at hand. Hearing about how it fits into their teaching or their lives always brings an extra bit of humanity in, and thankfully so!
Jen