Description The utility of writing assignments to enhance learning biology is well documented (e.g. Mynlieff et al., 2014; Couch et al., 2015). Such assignments can provide the basis for assessing higher-order and critical-thinking skills (Kelly et al, n.d.). Furthermore, when students are able to react to instructors’ feedback by re-drafting or adjusting their written work, …
Continue reading “Using Student Created Blogs as a Progressive Formative Assessment in an Online STEM Course”
Related Tags:
Assessment,
Biology,
Blog,
Bloom's Taxonomy,
Formative,
Metacognition,
Scaffolding,
STEM
Description A scavenger hunt can be used to help orient students to an online course at the beginning of the term. This activity works like a traditional scavenger hunt, as one gives the students specific instructions as to what they are to look for in the course. By completing the activities, students navigate through the …
Continue reading “Use Scavenger Hunts to Orient Students Online”
Related Tags:
Activity,
Assignments,
Blog,
Content,
Course Orientation,
Journaling,
Scavenger Hunt
Description Discussion prompts are the written “springboard” from which online discussions are launched and are essential to encourage shared understanding (Du, Zhang, Olinzock, & Adams, 2008). Discussion prompts can vary from pithy (e.g., “Discuss [Topic X]”) to verbose (e.g., an entire printed page of instructions). However, the best standard for gauging the effectiveness of a …
Continue reading “Create Effective Discussion Prompts”
Related Tags:
Blog,
Communication,
Discussions,
Interaction,
Problem-Based Learning
Description Instructor: UCF’s Ms. Debbie Kirkley Course Title: EME5208 Production Techniques for Instructional Settings Instructor Testimony UCF education professor Debbie Kirkley uses student blogs to fulfill the requirement of students to keep a journal throughout the semester to reflect on course projects and their experiences. The benefits of using this type of blog are as …
Continue reading “Incorporate Blogs for Reflection”
Related Tags:
Blog,
Interaction,
Social Media,
Student Centered
Description Blogs offer an easy way for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and acquisition outside of the learning management system (EDUCAUSE, 2005). Link to example artifact(s) Example Instructor: UCF’s Dr. Thomas Brueckner Course Title: PSC1121 Physical Science UCF physics professor Dr. Thomas Brueckner uses a blog as a tool to communicate with students. He posts class announcements, …
Continue reading “Using Blogs as a Communication Tool”
Related Tags:
Announcements,
Blog,
Communication,
Interaction,
Social Media,
Student Centered