Using Book Clubs and Online Debates for Engagement and Learning
Conference Archive
DevLearn 2014 Conference & Expo - October 29, 2014

Janet Syed
Instructional Designer
Southern New Hampshire University Online
Engaging learners online in an authentic way presents challenges for instructors and designers trying to create effective and pedagogically sound courses. An ideal educational experience happens when students encounter a cognitive presence, a social presence, and a teaching presence. Such an experience can also be grounded within the community of inquiry model and personal learning environment.
In this case-study session, you will explore how book clubs became the stepping stone to transform a traditional online asynchronous classroom activity to an engaging, social, and active online-learning experience through asynchronous peer interaction and collaboration. You will learn how these book clubs provided the scaffolding for small-group debates. You will discover how Southern New Hampshire University successfully implemented asynchronous online book clubs and debates in a combined community and global Health course. You will discuss overcoming potential difficulties and limitations in the successful deployment of collaborative activities within a learning management system.
In this session, you will learn:
- How to implement collaborative strategies in an online environment
- How book clubs and debates can create student engagement and learning opportunities
- How to reference the community-of-inquiry model in asynchronous activities
- Design, development, and implementation techniques for group forums, wikis, and discussions
Audience:
Novice designers and directors.
Technology
discussed in this session:
Collaboration and other tools available in
Blackboard, Adobe Connect, Skype, etc.
Handouts
You do not have access to these files. Please log in or join with a free membership to download these files.

Upcoming Events
Recent Job Postings
- eLearning Developer & Coordinator
Remote, USA - Senior Learning Specialist
Atlanta, GA - Learning Mgt System Administrator - CBT Specialist
Providence, Rhode Island - Instructional Design Specialist
Glenview, IL, USA - Training & Development Instructional Designer (Mid-Career)
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States