In a recent late night work session in the lab, me and a couple of classmates talked about the heightened levels of interactivity in this semester, compared with the last. We each expressed our interest in the discussion forums and team projects, and wondered why there weren’t more of these types of projects in the first semester. One suggestion was that we were not perhaps ready for teamwork at that stage.
In the EL6052 lecture this week, the Five-Stage Model of Teaching and Learning Online was taught which addressed the motivations for participants to work together. It stated that in the beginning, individuals are motivated by ‘self-interest’ and they require extrinsic factors to motivate them. After these factors have been fulfilled, they then seek the ‘common interest’ and they require respect and trust. This is an interesting theory because it is perhaps true that our class were only really in a position to interact with the class, after we had received our results (extrinsic factors) over the Christmas holidays. It is one theory however. Another is, of course, that interactive elements could be introduced on the course sooner.
I was at that late night lab session too :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm finding semester 2 far more engaging and interesting than semester 1, I have to say. Semester One felt almost like a different course. I felt far more isolated during it, and for me the assignments were more solitary and insular, and less exciting. I'm in my element this semester, bar the ocassional Dreamweaver-related conniption!
Yes, you were indeed :-) It was a thought-provoking discussion.
ReplyDeleteI obviously agree. Possibly like you, I have worked quite a long time on my own (or with close work colleagues). Working with teams seems far more educational and engaging. You also realise just how much more you have to learn.
Actually, this reminds me of your post about the benefits of having a mentor next to you as you learn. Team work is a little like that - except you are learning with several people by your side.