Collaborative Tools

My main challenge in online course design is developing collaborative work and a sense of community. Team based learning and peer learning are always highlighted as active learning tools that engage and motivate the students and leads them to self directed learning (Gannon, 2020; Weimer, 2013; Bates, 2019). A feeling of community keep motivation to stay engaged with the course high (Meyer, Rose, & Gordon, 2014).

MindMeister is a tool that allows collaboration in creating a mind map of a topic. While also adding a reflective learning dimension, it provides student a platform in which to create together. For this assignment students will be in groups of 5 and will create a plan - rather than writing it in just text, they will mind map it following a given outline. Not only does this provide students with a different media to work with and showcase their knowledge but it also uses the TPACK technology integration framework at all levels - teaching students not only content but the use of the tool. Developing a plan with a mind map helps in the assessment of connection/integration of topics as well as applied knowledge and understanding. It engages the students in higher order thinking.

Peerwise is a collaborative learning repository where students create and answer questions on a variety of topics. It engages students in the active learning of other as well as in reflective learning as they design the questions. Allocating participation points to Peerwise, students will be responsible for developing/designing questions for the classroom and answering that of their peers. The quality of content as well as the number of correct answers will be assessed mostly for basic understanding and learning of the topic. Peerwise uses the SAMR technology integration model at the augmentation and modification level.