In the previous posts, I've talked about effective strategies to communicate with our students using online education. In this post, I will be offering more ideas on how we can build a social presence in the classroom in online education.
Dunlap and Lowenthal write that, “Contact between students and faculty in and outside of class
is critical for student engagement because it influences student motivation and involvement” (pg.
130). Teachers are using learning management systems (LMS) to create a social presence outside of the classroom. “Learning has become learner centric, students want an active role in the learning
process,” (Morrison, 2014). These LMS allow for students to interact with their teachers and
peers and be actively involved in the learning process.
A Learning Management System is “a software that enables companies and
educational institutions to create and manage lessons, courses, quizzes and other training
materials ” (Ismail, 2017). Some familiar LMS systems that you may have heard of in the past
are Google Classroom, Edmodo, Schoology, and Canvas. While those are just a few, there are a
many of other LMS systems out there. It is important to keep in mind that the LMS that works
best for a language arts classroom, might not be the best fit for our math classroom. That’s the
beauty of having so many options- we don’t all need to use the same one.
When considering which LMS to use, an important characteristic to look for is the system’s ability to create a social presence. “Social presence refers to the extent to which persons are perceived to be 'real,' and able to be authentically 'known,' and truly 'connected' to others in mediated communication” (Bentley). Research has shown that social presence in the online classroom is directly linked to the quality of learning, student participation, and student engagement (Bentley). I believe that Schoology and Edmo are two LMS systems that would work great in our math classroom. Not only are both of these websites free, but they can create the social presence in our math class that an online classroom needs to be successful!
Social media is a strategy to create a social presence in the classroom. As a young teacher, I am using many of the social media sites that my students are using. When I was looking through the different LMS sites, I was looking for sites that were comparable to the social media sites my students already use. Schoology and Edmo resembled the look of Facebook. When comparing the two, the sites were very similar. Schoology and Edmodo allow students and instructors to create a personal profile. They can post pictures of themselves and write about who they are and what they like to do. “Learners like to learn something about each other to feel more connected,” (Garcia-O’Neill, 2016). This is another great way LMS creates a social presence. It gives other a feel for who the person is and their personality. These are traits that are hard to pick up over the internet.
In addition to creating a personal profile, teachers are able to also post statuses and blog posts that students can comment on to creating a classroom discussion. In an article I read, Bentley writes about how discussion boards help to create a social presence in the classroom. Not only do students get to interact with one another about their opinions, but the teacher can ask thought-provoking questions and help to facilitate or give feedback on discussions. Edmodo and Schoology both allowed for this opportunity.
Below I have made a T-Chart comparing Schoology and Edmodo. I have compared and contrasted different features that the two LMS have to offer. Based on different research, I have highlighted key features that are important elements in choosing an LMS.
Delivery System
Important elements from the three readings will be highlighted in these colors:
Best practices in teaching K-12 online: Lessons learned from Michigan Virtual School teachers
Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Teaching in the Online High School Classroom
BLENDED COURSE DESIGN: A SYNTHESIS OF BEST PRACTICES
Dunlap and Lowenthal write that, “Contact between students and faculty in and outside of class
is critical for student engagement because it influences student motivation and involvement” (pg.
130). Teachers are using learning management systems (LMS) to create a social presence outside of the classroom. “Learning has become learner centric, students want an active role in the learning
process,” (Morrison, 2014). These LMS allow for students to interact with their teachers and
peers and be actively involved in the learning process.
A Learning Management System is “a software that enables companies and
educational institutions to create and manage lessons, courses, quizzes and other training
materials ” (Ismail, 2017). Some familiar LMS systems that you may have heard of in the past
are Google Classroom, Edmodo, Schoology, and Canvas. While those are just a few, there are a
many of other LMS systems out there. It is important to keep in mind that the LMS that works
best for a language arts classroom, might not be the best fit for our math classroom. That’s the
beauty of having so many options- we don’t all need to use the same one.
When considering which LMS to use, an important characteristic to look for is the system’s ability to create a social presence. “Social presence refers to the extent to which persons are perceived to be 'real,' and able to be authentically 'known,' and truly 'connected' to others in mediated communication” (Bentley). Research has shown that social presence in the online classroom is directly linked to the quality of learning, student participation, and student engagement (Bentley). I believe that Schoology and Edmo are two LMS systems that would work great in our math classroom. Not only are both of these websites free, but they can create the social presence in our math class that an online classroom needs to be successful!
Social media is a strategy to create a social presence in the classroom. As a young teacher, I am using many of the social media sites that my students are using. When I was looking through the different LMS sites, I was looking for sites that were comparable to the social media sites my students already use. Schoology and Edmo resembled the look of Facebook. When comparing the two, the sites were very similar. Schoology and Edmodo allow students and instructors to create a personal profile. They can post pictures of themselves and write about who they are and what they like to do. “Learners like to learn something about each other to feel more connected,” (Garcia-O’Neill, 2016). This is another great way LMS creates a social presence. It gives other a feel for who the person is and their personality. These are traits that are hard to pick up over the internet.
In addition to creating a personal profile, teachers are able to also post statuses and blog posts that students can comment on to creating a classroom discussion. In an article I read, Bentley writes about how discussion boards help to create a social presence in the classroom. Not only do students get to interact with one another about their opinions, but the teacher can ask thought-provoking questions and help to facilitate or give feedback on discussions. Edmodo and Schoology both allowed for this opportunity.
Below I have made a T-Chart comparing Schoology and Edmodo. I have compared and contrasted different features that the two LMS have to offer. Based on different research, I have highlighted key features that are important elements in choosing an LMS.
Delivery System
Important elements from the three readings will be highlighted in these colors:
Best practices in teaching K-12 online: Lessons learned from Michigan Virtual School teachers
Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Teaching in the Online High School Classroom
BLENDED COURSE DESIGN: A SYNTHESIS OF BEST PRACTICES
While all LMS have their pros and cons, I believe Schoology would be the best fit for
our department. Schoology offers more opportunities for classroom discussions than
Edmodo does. Classroom discussion will allow students to have conversations about content in
a place where the teacher can monitor and facilitate the discussion. Having this feature will help
give students a chance to interact and learn from their peers. Students who are shy and typically
don’t speak out in class may be more willing to share in this environment. Another reason I
believe Schoology would be a great fit is how easy it is to navigate. While most of our students
have had the opportunity to work with technology, our students with a low e-readiness level
won’t struggle to adapt to this learning environment.
If you are worried about choosing the right LMS, experiment with them. In my next post, I will be offering ideas on how you can evaluate your online course to make sure it is being used as an effective tool. Since this will be a first experience for most of us with online education, it's not going to be perfect the first time, and that's okay! In a traditional classroom, we make improvements to our lessons every year and with online classes we will have to do the same.
Sources
Social Presence In Online Learning: 7 Things Instructional Designers Can Do To Improve It
What is a Learning Management System
What is a Learning Management System
The Centrality of Social Presence in Online Teaching and Learning
Best practices in teaching K-12 online: Lessons learned from Michigan Virtual School teachers
BLENDED COURSE DESIGN: A SYNTHESIS OF BEST PRACTICES
Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Teaching in the Online High School Classroom
Best practices in teaching K-12 online: Lessons learned from Michigan Virtual School teachers
BLENDED COURSE DESIGN: A SYNTHESIS OF BEST PRACTICES
Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Teaching in the Online High School Classroom
Lowenthal, P. R., & Dunlap, J. C. (2010). From pixel on a screen to real person in your students
lives: Establishing social presence using digital storytelling. The Internet and Higher
Education, 13(1-2), 70-72. doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2009.10.004
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