Using Virtual Communities in the High School Classroom

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Using Virtual Communities in the High School
Classroom
A Study of Student Communication, Engagement, and
Enjoyment in an Online Learning
Environment Thomas E. Schultz Michigan State
University
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Shaping My Research

• Using an hourglass as a model
• Considered a broad range of ideas
• Narrowed my focus with data
• Applied conclusions to educational areas

Exploring my Purpose
Evaluating my scenario
Selecting my Question
Applying my Methods
Analyzing my Results
Changes for Education
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Exploring My Purpose

• Desire to modify my class website due to
• Technology To Use Or Infuse
• Knowledge of Learning Theory
• Socio-cultural environments
• Higher order thinking
• Magnet for interaction

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Evaluating My Scenario

• Chem students social via technology

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Students Are Social via Technology

• Instant Messaging
• AOL Messenger
• MSN Messenger
• Text Messaging
• Via Cell Phone
• Online Communities
• MySpace.com
• MSN Space
• Blogs

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Student Space on MySpace.com
Personal Info
Music Interests
Network of Friends
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J.S. Donath Identity Deception in the Virtual
Community

• Peoples motivation to actively participate in
  newsgroup discussions often transcends mere
  altruism or selfless goodwill and has more to do
  with the establishment and maintenance of a
  reputation as an integral member.

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Evaluating My Scenario

• Chem students social via technology
• Chem students have pride
• Chem students have anxiety
• Chem students desire to be set apart
• Chem students benefit from socio-cultural
  learning environments

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Selecting My Question

• How can I Imitate and Utilize Online Student
  Communities?
• What are its attributes?
• Stimulating
• Beneficial
• Secure
• Where should it be hosted?
• What parameters should be set?

What are my students looking for?
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J.S. Donath Identity Deception in the Virtual
Community

• People on the net should be thought of not only
  as solitary information processors but also as
  social beings. People are not only looking for
  information they are also looking for
  affiliation, support and affirmation.

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Applying My Methods

• The Chemistry Connection
• Community
• Coaching
• Modeling
• Encouraging reflection
• Pride / Privilege
• Enjoyment
• Structure

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Forum Structure
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Guidelines
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P. Black D. Wiliam Inside the Black Box
Raising Standards Through Classroom Assessment

• Teaching and learning must be interactive.
  Teachers need to know about their pupils
  progress and difficulties with learning so that
  they can adapt their own work to meet pupils
  needs.

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Dialogue in the Virtual Community

• Responding to teacher prompts
• Ability to read other student posts/responses
• Interacting with other students
• Commenting on a post
• Statement about post
• Question about post
• Starting new topics
• Discussing content or culture of the class

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Analyzing My Results

• Chem Talk
• living room with flexibility
• Most posts 146
• Topics 5
• Topic of Rayder Chem T-Shirt
• 104 posts
• 607 views
• Topic of Reactions Poll
• 34 posts
• 330 views

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Analyzing My Results

• In Class Prompts
• Required responses to questions statements
• Posts 89
• Topics 6
• Topic of Chemistry Phobia???
• 26 posts
• 177 views
• Topic of Stoichiometry L.R. Poll
• 8 posts
• 91 views

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Analyzing My Results

• Test Quiz Talk
• Questions, help, and chat about tests/quizzes
• Posts 87
• Most Topics 10
• Topic of Marking Period Exam?
• 17 posts
• 82 views
• Topic of quiz on wed?
• 15 posts
• 93 views

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Analyzing My Results

• Lab Talk
• Questions, comments, and chat about labs
• Posts 36
• Topics 6
• Problem Set Talk
• Students helping students on problem sets
• Posts 20
• Topics - 2

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Analyzing My Results

• Suggestions
• Suggestions about format, quizzes, labs, forum,
  class likes and dislikes
• Posts 21
• Topics 1
• Topic of Lab Pros/Cons
• 131 views

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Discussion Of Results

• Judgments about noteworthiness of forum
• Opportunities for expression (Black, Wiliam,
  1998)
• Increased discourse due to availability of forum
  ease of navigability (survey)
• Data indicates desire to check board to view
  student comments

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Conclusion Of Results

• Forum appropriately used for intended purpose
• Not to replace powerful in class learning
  environments but supplement.
• Will use forum again next year
• Will make improvements based on data
• Increase post requirements

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Changes For Education

• No set equation for forum use
• Student engagement, understanding and self
  efficacy is based on
• Instructors awareness of culture
• Understanding of learning theory
• Persistence toward student success