Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The Big Bear, Online Learning and Connections


I've been following #etmooc with interest, but with the hectic first week in our Electronic Village Online about neuroscience in Education (#brainELT), I haven't been much of a contributor, but an active listener.

What I've been trying to explore with much interest and anticipation is how a MOOC develops, unfolds, how conversations start and persist, and, mainly how participants perceive this whole experience of being in a massive online professional development opportunity and react to it. This year I've been having a two-side perspective, as a participant in #etmooc and a co-moderator in EVO.

In any online setting, no matter if we have newbies in the digital sphere or more experienced participants, the reaction to the first week in the online setting is one that corroborates what neuroscience has been exploring and helping us understand about the intricate and fascinating world of our brains.

Our brains are wired for survival. So, whenever we come across a new experience, our amygdala, part of our limbic system mainly involved in emotional responses will analyze the situation, and there are three ways we can react.

Imagine we are joyfully walking through the woods with friends. All of a sudden, we come across this huge BEAR.


Bears!

Amygdala in action. Three possible reactions:

FIGHT - FLIGHT - FREEZE


First, your brain send signals to your amygdala, your body reacts to it, and you act upon it. If you had the right tools and the technical skills, you could even think of shooting the bear, or giving him a sedative. However, a very natural reaction is to flight. You start running as fast as you can. Or you simply freeze, don't know what to do, and have no reaction. You get stuck.

One of the main roles of the amygdala is to prevent threat.

So, getting back to our online world, imagine this brand new context for participants experiencing for the first time an online session, but not simply an online course with a formal structure with a certain number of participants, but an online session with massive challenges. First, understanding how it works, where to go, how to connect, then realizing that it is massive in terms of number of participants. Many of these newcomers should have come from very traditional formal educational settings as learners and as educators. What are their amygdalas screaming? THREAT, THREAT, THREAT! Reactions?

Some just leave with no traces of ever getting there. Other participants get stuck and give up, they don't even give it a try, thinking to themselves, "oh, this is just too much for me. I don't have time for it". In fact, it is really hard to make good decisions when we feel afraid. The brave souls, on the other hand, embark, can even think that it is too much, but they FIGHT, they move on, connect at first a little clumsily, but they become survivors at first, then they just find their way around and thrive. It is that kind of learning that sticks, that stays. The ones who overcome their initial fears of the big digital MOOC bear or just don't face it as any kind of initial threat, but as opportunity, open new spaces for their learning, for new brain connections and personal conversations with like-minded professionals, flourish and radiate their learning through the co-construction of knowledge with peers.

But this is seen from the participant's angle. What really has caught my attention since I've started in the realm of online moderation is the role of the moderators in the process of lowering participants' initial anxiety and helping them see these online PD sessions as an open door for learning with the support of sound instructional design together with spaces that give room to discovery, flexibility, experimentation and connections.

So, this first week of #etmooc and #brainelt has just proven that the moderators' support, be it in the technical aspects of the session or in the human side of just being felt as present for participants, makes a difference for the participants' initial perceptions of the MOOC journey being a big fearful bear with its sharp teeth and huge body facing us or simply not seing any kind of bear at all!

I've seen great examples of support that totally makes a difference - from the orientation synchronous sessions offered by the #etmooc team, the questions on how to better address the initial challenges newcomers face and offerings for a mentee-mentor informal scheme, to a well-designed Wordpress hub to guide participants and a Google+ to let the conversations and sharing flow. Even if for some, it is still a daunting endeavor, everything seems to be manageable with the community support that has been taking place and the wonderful, emotional accounts that members are already sharing in their own learning spaces.

As for the EVO standpoint, just like in #etmooc, what counts, more than the content, are the connections, the learning together as a community, the discussions, just being there with one another. The moderators do their best to be welcome and be present, and we've had a very positive reaction from participants on a page we created on how to survive the first week and thrive in which we try to have a positive and playful tone to make participants relax and enjoy the ride. The word from a participant that truly got the spirit of this whole orientation period is "liberating".

What online moderators and any educator need to understand is how the emotional brain is always acting and reacting to threat, and when learning situations are perceived as a menace, how can they i design educational endeavors that are welcoming and made of meaningful human connections. In this case, the bear might disappear before one realized that it has ever been around...

36 comments:

  1. This is a really interesting article. I posted a little (not anywhere near this detail) about the newbie reactions in the first session to unfamiliar technology, learning techniques, and networking, and a possible, partial solution.

    The moderators in the session were excellent, and the responsiveness of the team to queries, concerns, questions and suggestions from students is excellent.

    An additional support, on top of moderator support,,, might be the provision of basic specifications ( the skills, knowledges and assets you'll need to take full advantage of the course)as part of the application form, and a set of advance resources to get novices up to speed. Jargon busters, links to basic tutorials on the tech being used. Short videos with or without automated testing on the basic ideas that will come up.

    In my universioty, the teaching support did a pilot programme offering novice chemistry students with no prior knowledge access to advance organisers before lectures that would give them the basic ideas and terms. Students with no previous knowledge of chemistry (the target group) had been scoring 28% lower than students with previous knowledge. The pilot lowered than to a 6% gap.

    In the orientation session, those au fait with the technologies, ideas and jargon were able to fully engage with the process...all their processing was focused on content and development. Novices were expressing fears of being drowned, and, perhaps, finding the process of engagement more difficult.

    Cognitive resources were being spent coming to terms with the basic ideas being thrown about,diverting attention from the substance of the discussion.

    Getting your novices up to speed before the course means their cognitive resources are well deployed, the feelings of being lost, powerless, or behind the rest are meaningfully tackled, and your course completion rates increase. In theory.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's what we should aim at, right, Keith? I agree with you that it goes beyond the moderation with all the support one can think of to make the online experience smoother for newcomers and for better results in terms of student success and completion rates. However, all those subsides for the online experience are never enough with a carefully well-designed plan for human intervention and facilitation. I truly believe in the power of facilitators to engage participants and make them feel as belonging to a community, just I've been noticing in #etmooc and #evo .

    By the way, I loved your orientation post when I read it, I guess two days ago.

    Great to connect with you and "listen" to your thoughts on the support we need in online environments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Loved the post, Carla.
      I`m no stranger to technology. I believe technology existis to make our lives easier in many ways, and when, for some reason, it doesn`t, something is wrong. However, I must admit that I`m still a bit lost in the edmodo environment. When I realized the number of different environments I had to visit and that it was taking longer than usual for me to master everything, I called the course "big bear" hahahahaha. No long menacing teeth, but big bear, nonetheless. The next day I sat down and spent some time "wandering" around. Ok, the big bear became a thin one, and quite friendly, to say the truth.

      Your text is perfect. Sometimes lack of time and anxiety get in the way and prevent us from becoming pioneers and enjoy a fantastic ride.
      Valeria Genaro

      Delete
  3. That's it, Valéria! The fear factor, plus little time and high levels of anxiety to delve into the unknown make the perfect match for many participants to give up even before giving it a try. For the ones who endure, magic happens! But it certainly needs a good dose of persistance and willigness to connect, learn, share and move on! And I can see you're doing exactly that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Qdexi Technology is the top notch Web content writing services provider. They are offering these services for many years. The services provided by them are sure to be reliable and plagiarism free.

      Delete
  4. For those who have attended college and would like to go after a 2nd degree training course, it is advisable that you ask the institution about transfer equivalencies. That is to make sure that your entire effort in the previous years will not go to waste at all. Once the school has offered you the set of subjects credited you ought to consider the extra effort to check it and find out if there are any more subjects which can be credited. Visit our website for more info.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Education and learning is definitely an enjoyable thing, especially when you take classes which might be not related in your degree. Nevertheless, although these kind of programs increase your own learning perspectives, they could furthermore undertake time that you might be shelling out getting a credit needed to graduate. Therefore, for anyone who is set on completing your current degree earlier, don't consider any kind of programs which aren't necessary for your online degree. Seek advice from an instructional consultant to really guarantee that you are taking solely those courses which are needed. Visit our webpage for more details.

    ReplyDelete

  6. Are you looking for thesis proposal helper in the United States? We're one of the most well-known and respected academic writing businesses. Our team of specialists can help you write a high-quality, error-free thesis proposal.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I feel energetic after reading this valuable information. In the forthcoming time, I am looking forward to take this information. Do not feel helpless as get in touch with Assignment Help to fetch the higher qulaity information in qatar.

    ReplyDelete
  8. If you want to succeed in your online assignments, you need to know how to do so. This helpful guide will provide you with the knowledge and skills to help you succeed with your online assignments and achieve your education goals. You'll be able to learn how to take on new topics, write well, and work efficiently. contact our online assignment help team

    ReplyDelete


  9. Great Post keep writing!! Academic writing portals provide you online assignment help near you. Professional writers write eye-catchy content fully information-oriented. Your assignments definitely help you to achieve A+ grades in finals. And our team take full guarantee of your work and we deliver before the deadline.

    ReplyDelete
  10. If you also cannot invest a lot of money in the purchase of assignment writing assistance then you should buy Affordable assignment help from us. We are one of the leading assignment writing service providers in Canada. We can help you with your assignments in any subject.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for sharing this best stuff with us! Keep sharing! I am new in the blog writing. All types blogs and posts are not helpful for the readers. Here the author is giving good thoughts and suggestions to each and every reader through this article. literature-essay Quality of the content is the main element of the blog and this is the way of writing pay for assignment writing and presenting.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Only aspire to mention ones content can be as incredible. This clarity with your post is superb and that i may think you’re a guru for this issue. High-quality along with your concur permit me to to seize your current give to keep modified by using approaching blog post. Thanks a lot hundreds of along with you should go on the pleasurable get the job done. 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  13. Garmin handheld GPS
    GPS, what we said is the actual Global Positioning System (GPS). That’s a satellite based navigation system made up of at least 20+ satellites. Benefits of the GPS devices are, GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. You just need to be sure to update it from time to time and download the maps before you visit a new city or country. here we are talking about the Garmin handheld GPS.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. If you are looking for an Assignment helper online in Malaysia, you can count on Malaysiaassignmenthelp.com for the best services in Malaysia at the most affordable rates and with 24*7 online support.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I want to say that is one of the top notch posts that i've perused in all my existence. the whole thing right here is certainly remarkable. assignment helper uk I couldn't have requested a highly improved put up than this. . i am capable of bookmark your internet web site and advocate to all my pals

    ReplyDelete
  17. In this case, the bear might disappear before one realized that it has ever been around. Thanks for sharing this article. Now it's time to avail Custom Soap Boxes for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is a very amazing initiative to make students learn online. It is better. It is convenient. And it is more easy and effective. Thanks for sharing the idea with us. Now it's time to avail airport chauffeur service for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I read this article. I am impressive your writing technique. Its very useful for students big bear learn online. Thanks for share this article. Now it's time to get interior demolition for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I just want to mention, I am newbie to blogging and site-building and really loved this blog. Probably I'm going to bookmark your blog post. You really come with incredible article content. Thanks a bunch for sharing your website. aau cut off mark

    ReplyDelete
  21. Nice Blog
    Diploma Assignment Help UK offers top-notch high school assignments UK services to students looking for expert assistance with their coursework. Our team of writers is dedicated to helping you succeed academically.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is an impressive effort and content. Thanks for writing this post, the rest of the site is really great. I enjoyed my time viewing your interesting updates. Once more I appreciate your effort for sharing.- edo state college of nursing 4th cohort admission 2023

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great Blog
    My Assignment Help Singapore is the leading assignment writing service Singapore, providing top-quality assignments to students across all academic levels. Our team of highly qualified writers is committed to delivering the best assignment help to students, ensuring that they get the grades they deserve. We offer personalized solutions that are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive assignments that meet all your requirements. So if you are looking for the best assignment help in Singapore, look no further than My Assignment Help Singapore.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Nice post
    When it comes to medical translations, accuracy and precision are crucial. At Malaysiatranslators.com, the Medical Translators in Malaysia provide very helpful and exact translations of medical documents. We ensure that all translations are culturally sensitive and meet the specific requirements of our clients.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Great post
    If you are looking for a reliable and trustworthy essay help service in Greece, then Greeceassignmenthelp.com is the perfect choice for you. They offer 24/7 customer support and ensure that your essay is delivered on time.

    ReplyDelete
  26. A very detailed explanation was provided on this topic. But this is seen from the participant's angle. What really has caught your attention since. I encourage you to publish more information so I can gain more knowledge. Now it's time to get limo rental surprise az for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  27. It looks like you spent a lots of time in this article. This post is a nice informative content. Thanks for sharing. Now its time to avail roller shutter repairs for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Great Post
    Unleash the power of a well-crafted CV with CVWritingServices.ie, the premier destination to do a CV online. Tailor-made for job seekers in Ireland, our online CV creation platform empowers you to build a professional and compelling CV effortlessly. Stand out from the crowd and secure your dream job with our expertly written Irish CVs that showcase your skills and accomplishments. Get a competitive edge in today's job market with our exceptional CV writing service, designed to boost your chances of success and open doors to new career opportunities.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello, I am a skilled resin artist at Varmala Preservation, offering you the most artistic and heartfelt wedding garland preservation in resin. Our varmala preservation service online allows you to entrust your precious memories to us, knowing that we will create a masterpiece that reflects the love and beauty of your wedding day. With our attention to detail and commitment to excellence, we assure you of the finest jaimal preservation service online. Trust us to preserve your special moments in a way that touches your heart and soul.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nice blog
    In search of Court Translation Services? Look no further than Mytranslationservices.com. Our comprehensive range of language solutions includes marketing translation, legal translation, document translation, and transcription services, spanning over 200 languages. With meticulous attention to detail, we provide accurate and culturally sensitive translations, especially crucial for court-related documents. Mytranslationservices.com is your trusted partner for precise and professional Court Translation Services. Visit our website today to access a suite of language offerings tailored to your needs. When accuracy matters, rely on Mytranslationservices.com for all your translation requirements.

    ReplyDelete
  31. KhelRaja is your ultimate destination for online betting sites. Our website offers an exceptional platform for enthusiasts seeking top-notch online betting sites. With a user-friendly interface and competitive odds, we cover a wide array of sports to cater to every preference. But the convenience doesn't stop there our online betting app ensures you can place your bets from anywhere, anytime. KhelRaja is committed to providing a safe and immersive sports betting experience, so you can enjoy your favorite matches and tournaments with confidence. Join us today and make the most of your sports betting passion.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Grateful for your interest in this informative blog. If you find yourself in need of an assignment, your search stops here. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the best law assignment help, available around the clock. Count on our experts to guide you through every academic challenge, ready to assist with any assignment-related inquiries. Reach out to us – we're here to ensure your success.

    ReplyDelete
  33. the writer's reflection on the MOOC experience has helped me a LOT. Just as moderators support participants in online sessions, Report Writing Service provide professional assistance in creating well-structured and meaningful reports.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Uncover the power of homeopathy at Gupta Homeo Clinic, your dedicated homeopathy doctor in Jaipur. Our website is a gateway to a world of alternative healing, where our experts combine expertise with compassion. Explore the possibilities for a healthier you!

    ReplyDelete

Conversations are sparklers for deepening thoughts and maturing ideas. Share, connect, leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you. To follow up on the comments here, click on the "subscribe via email" below the comment box, on the right.