Filed under: Characteristics of Effective Activities
Accessible – ensures all participants can access the activities regardless of time, location or technology.
Contain Resources – online activities are typically rich with resources (which can be especially helpful in getting students started).
Simple – keeping instructions and activities straight-forward will enable learners to spend more time on the activities (and less time caught up in the logistics, scheduling, etc).
Adaptable – online activities can be adapted for various learning situations and can be modified to meet contextual needs.
Cost-effective – simple activities can be set up in traditional communication tools, such as discussions without the need to learn or introduce new technologies (unless you want to).
Stimulate critical thinking – activities can promote critical thinking by drawing upon various perspectives, ideas and opinions.
Focus on the learning experience – a well planned activity will not focus on the technology (in fact the technology is secondary). Research indicates “high-quality interaction, full participation and reflection do not happen simply by providing the technology” (Tolmie and Boyle, 2000).
Encourage community building – activities can assist with the developing a sense of community among learners (and also social presence). Essential skills in team-building, social networking, relationship management and communication can also be developed.
