I like the idea of using CATs as a way to build community. Your example of "Ask a Neighbor" reminds me of other cooperative learning techniques. I wonder if we could use Kagan Structures and adapt them to the online environment? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooperative_learning
I like how you mentioned that feedback is quick and immediate. Students like instant turnaround time, so this method is very effective. Also, because CATs are conducted in the main discussion area of the classroom, students do not feel isolated because the content is directed to the whole class. Seeing others student respond to CATs can motivate otherwise shy or lazy students to respond as well. Nice job on the presentation!
I really enjoyed your presentation! Like Ted, I also enjoyed the idea of using CATs to build a community. I find that building a sense of community is extremely important in the online format. As you mentioned, online students can feel isolated. I find CATs are a great way to encourage collaboration and this type of open communication helps to encourage active participation.
Your presentation gave a practical way of using CATs in the online class. I found this to be valuable, and I am going to use this idea today. Like Ted mentioned, this made me thing about the Kagan Structures, and it would be interesting to see if Kagan Structures could be adapted to online classrooms.
Laura - thanks for this presentation. It is a great overview of CATS. I'm always looking for new ideas for CATS so that I can keep my courses "fresh". Thanks so much for your "Ask a Neighbor" idea. I teach in the MSN program in the CONHCP, so I'm going to try that one, but may retitle it "Ask a Colleague". Thanks for the great information! Karen
6 Comments
I like the idea of using CATs as a way to build community. Your example of "Ask a Neighbor" reminds me of other cooperative learning techniques. I wonder if we could use Kagan Structures and adapt them to the online environment? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooperative_learning
I like how you mentioned that feedback is quick and immediate. Students like instant turnaround time, so this method is very effective. Also, because CATs are conducted in the main discussion area of the classroom, students do not feel isolated because the content is directed to the whole class. Seeing others student respond to CATs can motivate otherwise shy or lazy students to respond as well. Nice job on the presentation!
Laura,
I really enjoyed your presentation! Like Ted, I also enjoyed the idea of using CATs to build a community. I find that building a sense of community is extremely important in the online format. As you mentioned, online students can feel isolated. I find CATs are a great way to encourage collaboration and this type of open communication helps to encourage active participation.
Andrea
You discuss the role of students developing self-assessment skills... what do you do to foster this type of self-reflection?
Your presentation gave a practical way of using CATs in the online class. I found this to be valuable, and I am going to use this idea today. Like Ted mentioned, this made me thing about the Kagan Structures, and it would be interesting to see if Kagan Structures could be adapted to online classrooms.