Tools of the trade: 'Breaking the ice' with virtual tools in online learning

Type of content
Conference Contributions - Published
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
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Publisher
Journal Title
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Language
Date
2014
Authors
McGrath N
Gregory S
Roberts P
Farley, Helen
Abstract

The reality is that online learning can be a daunting and lonely experience. This is why icebreakers can be a rewarding practice for both students and educators. The use of icebreakers allows students studying online to introduce themselves and become familiar with other members of the group and/or community. Not only are these icebreakers used as a starter within the first weeks of study, but they are also used to help motivate students throughout the course. Highlighted in this paper are particular online (virtual) tools that can be used as icebreakers within an online learning environment and help shift the view of isolation associated with learning online and create a more engaged community of practice with effective learning.

Description
Citation
McGrath N, Gregory S, Farley H, Roberts P (2014). Tools of the trade: 'Breaking the ice' with virtual tools in online learning. Proceedings of ASCILITE 2014 - Annual Conference of the Australian Society for Computers in Tertiary Education. 470-474.
Keywords
Virtual tools, online learning, icebreakers, student engagement, student participation, community practice
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Fields of Research::39 - Education::3904 - Specialist studies in education::390405 - Educational technology and computing
Fields of Research::39 - Education::3904 - Specialist studies in education::390409 - Learning sciences
Fields of Research::39 - Education::3902 - Education policy, sociology and philosophy
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