Background: I teach online literacy courses, both undergraduate and graduate at The University of Texas at Arlington. I have been teaching online since 2008!
Drawing on ideas from Canadian scholar Terry Anderson and others (see here), a key foundation of online learning is to foster a Community of Inquiry (COI) where students are engaged not just cognitively engaged (which is what we often think learning is solely concerned with), but also socially engaged in a low-risk environment where the teacher is also virtually present in a variety of ways. A new book (2014) by Jon Dron and Terry Anderson, Teaching Crowds: Learning and Social Media (a free PDF can be located here) focuses on the COI framework on the wide vareity of social learning that can take place in an online course. I am looking forward to reading this!
In the meantime, a major goal of mine as an online instructor is to intentionally and strategically foster better student-student interaction to build a more solid foundation for discussions and interactions for students. Based on my readings of the following Jossey-Bass books, I started to implement the idea of “online icebreakers”. The two books that inspired me are below. They are quick reads! I made up most of the icebreakers myself, but several are variations on the icebreakers described in the books below and I have indicated this below.
Engaging the Online Learner: Activities and Resources for Creative Instruction (Rita-Marie Conrad and J. Ana Donaldson) Jossey-Bass Publishing, 2011.
Continuing to Engage the Online Learner: More Activities and Resources for Creative Instruction (Rita-Marie Conrad and J. Ana Donaldson) Jossey-Bass Publishing, 2012.
How to get started with Online Icebreakers
These go in the general discussion board area on my learning management system (Blackboard in my case). During week 1, or, prior to the course start, if you choose to open your learning management system up a bit earlier than the official course start date, students are required to post to at least one icebreaker (2-3 paragraphs). Writing a more extended post with more detail is required in the course I teach on writing; it has the dual purpose of helping students consider one of the icebreaker topics as a final writing topic for a key assignment in the course of creating a personal piece of writing. Students are required to post at least three comments to peers.
Each icebreaker is a separate thread within a forum labelled “Online Icebreakers”. Students reply as comments to to a thread; students do not create their own forums. Create one icebreaker topic for about every 5-10 students. E.g., I have 130 students in an online course, so I have about 15 icebreakers so any one thread is not too “crowded”. Choice is essential. So if you have 25 students, I recommend about 5-6 icebreakers. Encourage students to do more than one icebreaker; creating an initial post in response to one icebreaker is a minimum). I even get icebreaker ideas from social media. Encourage students to embed multi-media!
ONLINE ICEBREAKERS
Directions to Students: Complete at least ONE online icebreaker. Go inside this forum to view the icebreakers. Your initial post should be at least two paragraphs. This is a chance to get “warmed up” in terms of writing so do not be skeletal here. Try to include a multi-media element (optional) such as a link, picture, or screenshot of a Google Map (if you are doing “Location, Location, Location”).
magnificent post, very informative. I wonder why the opposite experts of
this sector do not understand this. You must continue your writing.
I’m sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just
too great. I really like what you’ve acquired here,
certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart.
I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful
web site.
You’ve made some decent points there. I looked
on the internet for more info about the issue and found
most individuals will go along with your views on this website.
Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your blog by
chance (stumbleupon). I have saved it for later!
Привет! Я просто хотел спросить, были
ли у вас какие-либо проблемы с хакерами?
Мой последний блог (wordpress)
был взломан, и я потерял много месяцев тяжелой работы из-за отсутствия резервной копии данных.
Есть ли у вас какие-либо методы для
защиты от хакеров?
Я думаю, что администратор
этого веб-сайт является действительно
работает над в пользу его веб-страница, потому что здесь каждый данные основан на качестве данные.
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through
some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely
delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking
and checking back often!
No llevo mucho período usando Internet, probablemente sea porque no sabía lo suficiente.
Pero tengo que reconocer que páginas web como mi me hace notar muy bien.
Esta nombre es %nombre_simple_masculino.dat% Y
soy un pequeño pueblo de %provincias_espana.dat%, comparto muchos gustos y entretenimientos con el
resto de la gente de este blog. Lo único que puedo decir existe en hora generosa
por la calidad y el diseño que le habéis dado a mi página.
Llevo bastante tiempo buscando información parecida y no he
dado con ella.
A fin de que seré un usuario usual de la web.
Muchas gracias lucro todo y espero poder colaborar en mi aporte.
Keep on working, ցreat јob!
Have a look at my ƅlog; dߋwnload slot joker123 – http://gatcb.com/ –
Wonderful site. Plenty of useful info here. I’m sending it
to several friends ans also sharing in delicious.
And naturally, thanks to your effort!
Embargo llevo mucho tiempo usando Internet, probablemente sea
porque no sabía lo adecuado.
Pero tengo que reconocer que páginas web como mi me hace sospechar
muy bien. Esta nombre es %nombre_simple_masculino.dat%
Y soy un pequeño pueblo de %provincias_espana.dat%, comparto numerosos gustos y distracciones
con el resto de la multitud de este blog. Lo único
que puedo decir es en hora generosa por la calidad y el diseño
que le habéis dado a mi página. Llevo bastante tiempo
buscando información parecida y no he dado con ella.
Así que seré un usuario habitual de la web.
Muchas gracias lucro todo y espero poder colaborar en mi
aporte.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and inn
accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I will be subscribing tto your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
website
I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to achieve my goals. I certainly liked reading everything that is posted on your blog.Keep the information coming. I loved it!
excellent issues altogether, you simply won a new reader.
What could you recommend about your publish that you simply made
some days in the past? Any certain?
If some one needs to be updated with newest technologies after that he must be pay a quick visit this website and
be up to date everyday.
I got what you intend,bookmarked, very decent web site.
Feel free to surf to my web page :: hatched seeds require
Nadie llevo mucho periodo usando Internet, probablemente sea porque no sabía lo competente.
Pero tengo que reconocer que páginas web como mi me hace sentir muy
bien. Esta nombre es %nombre_simple_masculino.dat% Y soy un pequeño
pueblo de %provincias_espana.dat%, comparto muchos gustos y distracciones con el resto de la gentío de este blog.
Lo único que puedo decir existe en hora generosa por la opinión y el diseño que
le habéis dado a mi página. Llevo mucho tiempo buscando información parecida y no he dado con ella.
A fin de que seré un usuario usual de la web.
Muchas gracias lucro todo y espero poder colaborar en mi aporte.
I wanted to follow along and let you know how , very much I liked discovering this blog today.
I’d personally consider it a honor to operate at
my workplace and be able to use the tips contributed on your blog and also
be a part of visitors’ comments like this. Should a position involving guest writer become on offer
at your end, please let me know.
My blog: fat burning pill
Good post. I will be facing a few of these issues as well..
This is a really good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Brief but very precise information? Appreciate your sharing this one.
A must read post!
my blog … brain power
Hi colleagues, how is the whole thing, and what you would like to say about this paragraph, in my view its really amazing designed for me.
Check out my web page :: diet pills that work
After checking out a handful of the articles on your site, I honestly appreciate your way of blogging. I added it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my website too and tell me how you feel.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care! Where are your contact details though?
Nadie llevo mucho periodo usando Internet, quizá sea porque no
sabía lo adecuado.
Pero tengo que reconocer que páginas web como esta me hace notar muy bien. Mi nombre es
%nombre_simple_masculino.dat% Y soy un pequeño pueblo de %provincias_espana.dat%, comparto montones de gustos y distracciones con el
resto de la gentío de este blog. Lo único que puedo decir existe en hora buena por la pensamiento y
el diseño que le habéis dado a mi página. Llevo mucho tiempo
buscando averiguamiento parecida y no he dado con ella.
A fin de que seré un usuario habitual de la web.
Muchas gracias lucro todo y deseo poder colaborar en mi aporte.
It’s hard to come by well-informed people for this topic, however,
you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Feel free to visit my website: balanced low-carb diet
Nadie llevo mucho periodo usando Internet, probablemente sea porque no sabía lo competente.
Pero tengo que reconocer que páginas web como mi me hace sentir
muy bien. Esta nombre es %nombre_simple_masculino.dat% Y soy un pequeño pueblo de %provincias_espana.dat%, comparto
muchos gustos y entretenimientos con el
resto de la gente de este blog. Lo único que puedo decir existe en hora generosa por la
calidad y el diseño que le habéis dado a esta página.
Llevo bastante tiempo buscando averiguamiento parecida y no
he dado con ella.
A fin de que seré un usuario usual de la web.
Muchas gracias por todo y espero poder colaborar más adelante.
What i don’t realize is actually how you are no longer
actually a lot more well-liked than you may be right now.
You’re so intelligent. You realize thus considerably with regards
to this matter, made me individually consider it from so many various angles.
Its like women and men are not fascinated except it’s something
to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding.
All the time maintain it up!
At this time it seems like Drupal is the preferred blogging
platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what
you’re using on your blog?
Excellent article. I certainly appreciate this site.
Keep it up!
Embargo llevo mucho período usando Internet, probablemente sea porque
no sabía lo suficiente.
Pero tengo que reconocer que páginas web como mi me
hace sospechar muy bien. Esta nombre es %nombre_simple_masculino.dat% Y soy un pequeño pueblo de %provincias_espana.dat%, comparto montones
de gustos y distracciones con el resto de la multitud de este blog.
Lo único que puedo decir existe en hora buena por la calidad y el diseño que le habéis dado a mi
página. Llevo altamente tiempo buscando averiguamiento parecida y no he dado con ella.
A fin de que seré un usuario frecuente de la web.
Muchas gracias lucro todo y deseo poder colaborar en mi aporte.
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe that this site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more,
thanks for the advice!
My relatives every time say that I am killing my time here at web, except
I know I am getting know-how every day by reading thes good
posts.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for mega888
my web page – 1 mega888
What’s up to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this webpage; this web site
carries awesome and actually fine data in support of visitors.
I love looking through and I think this website got some truly useful stuff on it!
Feel free to surf to my web blog – men boost libido
Hello There. I found your weblog the usage of msn. That is a very well written article.
I’ll make sure how to spice up your sex life bookmark it
and return to learn more of your useful information. Thank you for the post.
I’ll certainly comeback.
No llevo mucho período usando Internet, quizá sea porque no sabía
lo suficiente.
Pero tengo que reconocer que páginas web como mi
me hace sospechar muy bien. Esta nombre es %nombre_simple_masculino.dat% Y
soy un pequeño pueblo de %provincias_espana.dat%, comparto montones de gustos y
distracciones con el resto de la gentío de este
blog. Lo único que puedo decir existe en hora benigna
por la opinión y el diseño que le habéis dado a
mi página. Llevo altamente tiempo buscando escrutinio parecida y no he dado con ella.
Así que seré un usuario usual de la web.
Muchas gracias lucro todo y espero poder colaborar más adelante.
No llevo mucho tiempo usando Internet, quizá
sea porque no sabía lo competente.
Pero tengo que reconocer que páginas web como esta me hace sentir muy bien.
Esta nombre es %nombre_simple_masculino.dat% Y soy un pequeño pueblo de %provincias_espana.dat%, comparto montones de gustos y distracciones con el resto
de la gentío de este blog. Lo único que puedo decir
existe en hora benigna por la opinión y el diseño que le habéis dado a esta página.
Llevo bastante tiempo buscando averiguamiento parecida y no he dado con ella.
A fin de que seré un usuario frecuente de la web.
Muchas gracias por todo y deseo poder colaborar en mi aporte.
stromectol tablets uk https://ivermectin1st.com/
If you are going for best contents like I do, only go to see this
web site everyday since it presents feature contents, thanks
You are so awesome! I don’t think I have read a single thing like that before. So great to discover another person with some original thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
After exploring a number of the blog posts on your website, I seriously like your technique of blogging. I added it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and tell me how you feel.
Precisely how the combined entity manages their sportsbook over the longer term is however to be ironed out.
I believe this is among the so much significant information for me.
And i’m glad studying your article. But wanna observation on few normal issues,
The web site taste is perfect, the articles is really nice : D.
Good activity, cheers
you’re truly a good webmaster. The site loading speed is amazing.
It kind of feels that you’re doing any unique
trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork.
you’ve done a fantastic activity on this matter!
My web site – increase brain
Embargo llevo mucho tiempo usando Internet, probablemente sea porque no sabía lo adecuado.
Pero tengo que reconocer que páginas web como esta me hace notar muy bien. Mi nombre es %nombre_simple_masculino.dat% Y soy
un pequeño pueblo de %provincias_espana.dat%,
comparto montones de gustos y entretenimientos
con el resto de la multitud de este blog. Lo único que puedo decir está en hora generosa por la pensamiento y el diseño que
le habéis dado a mi página. Llevo mucho tiempo buscando averiguamiento parecida y
no he dado con ella.
Así que seré un usuario frecuente de la web.
Muchas gracias lucro todo y espero poder colaborar en las
siguientes lineas.
Remarkable issues here. I’m very glad to see your article.
Thanks so much and I’m having a look forward to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Hello! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look
forward to all your posts! Keep up the excellent work!
Keep functioning ,great job!
Look into my blog post; fat loss diet
I every time emailed this webpage post page to
all my contacts, since if like to read it after that my friends will too.
Voice coil https://www.pinterest.com/loatreotuong/