Session+6+Communication

= Session 6: Communication: Using chat features in the classroom. =



Essential Questions:
1. What role do communication skills play in 21st century classroom? 2. What technological resources can help us develop our students' communication skills? 3. What is the difference between communication and collaboration?

Create a new post in the discussion tab of your virtual notebook page entitled **Communication** and respond to the following:
 * 6.1 __Opener__:**
 * How do your students currently communicate?
 * What successful examples of communication have you witnessed?
 * What challenges have you faced in getting students to effectively communicate?

Opportunities for your students to communicate and collaborate with one another using technology are almost endless. In the next two sessions we will explore and analyze a small number of those opportunities.
 * 6.2 __Communication vs Collaboration__**

The information below is taken from the National Educational Technology Standards for Students.
 * **Read and answer** the questions below in your virtual notebook, Communication page.

Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:
 * Communication and Collaboration**
 * a**. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
 * b**. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
 * c**. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures.
 * d.** contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.


 * **How is communication different from collaboration?**
 * **How can the technologies we have used so far meet the communication and collaboration objects as outlined above?**
 * **How can a wiki be used as a tool for online collaboration?**

As seen in the image below communication is a necessary step in the path to collaboration.
 * 6.****3** __**Communication in an online world**__



Outlined below are 3 ways for students to communicate with one another in a virtual environment. Below is a small sampling we have chosen to experiment with and have had some success in using.

1. Blogging 2. Online Chat & Instant Messaging 3. Video Chat and Video Messaging 4. Discussion Boards and Wall Posting


 * Take a moment to think about which of these, if any, you are already familiar with. Which are you most likely to use and why.

Your assignment is to work with your group and/or partner to pick two methods of communication that the group would like to experiment with. Plan a common time to complete the assignment with your group. Your choices are listed below. Next to each choice is a short description of your assignment. Please post your responses to the questions in your virtual notebook on the **communication** page

|| * Create a Blog and post a blog on a technology or article of your choice. Be sure to reference the article. || * Create a PiratePad or if down use Etherpad, and start a discussion with a partner or partners on a technology or content article of your choice. Be sure to reference the article. || * Create a Video chat with a partner or partners (up to 20 people) on a technology article of your choice. OR send a video message to you partner introducing yourself and expressing your ideas on the article. Be sure to reference the article.
 * **Method of Communication** || **Assignment** ||
 * Blogging
 * Find your partner's blog and comment on what they have written.
 * How can a blog be used by your students?
 * What strengths and weaknesses does blogging have as an effective method of online communication? ||
 * Online Chat and Instant Messaging
 * When you have completed your pad discussion select Time Slider from the top right. Please copy the URL address and attach the link to your collaboration page
 * How can Pirate Pad be used by Students?
 * What strengths and weaknesses do discussion boards and chatting have as an effective method of online communication? ||
 * Video Chat and Video Messaging
 * How can Video Messaging/ conferencing be used by Students?
 * What strengths and weaknesses does video messaging and chatting have as an effective method of online communication? ||
 * Discussion Boards and Wall Posting[[image:wallwisher.jpg link="http://www.wallwisher.com/"]] || * Create a wallboard discussion on a technology or content article of your choice and invite your partner/partners. Be sure to reference the article. Experiment by adding video, audio, even documents to your discussion.
 * How can Discussion Boards be used by Students?
 * What strengths and weaknesses do discussion boards and wall posts have as an effective method of online communication? ||


 * 6.4 __Forum Post__**
 * Once you have finished using two of these communication tools, return to the Moodle site and write a short reflection that includes thoughts on each of the following:
 * How might online tools improve or inhibit student communication?
 * How will you facilitate, assess and give feedback on online discussion?
 * How do these online resources provide opportunities for differentiated instruction?
 * How might online communication lead to improved student collaboration?