Fourth Week

Participation in Discussions
We discussed how to improve student participation in both synchronous and asynchronous online learning environments. The number one factor that influences most students is their grade. Many stated that making it a requirement to participate was the easiest way to encourage participation, but the grade would have to be significant enough to ensure participation. I think providing positive feedback will increase student participation regardless of the learning environment. One method for increasing participation in the synchronous environment would be to turn on a "Raise Hand" action key. This would give the instructor more control over the conversation, and students would be more apt to respond if they didn't feel like they were on a game show.

Instructors must also develop a clear criteria, and they must explain the requirements to students. Planning is another factor that can determine the level of participation. The questions need to be well thought in order to develop students higher order thinking skills, and the material needs to be relevant. In the online environment, providing examples will also increase student participation because it gives the students a reference.