TLO online professional development program
Online group work
An online self-help module for staff
This module aims to introduce you to the major issues relating to online group work and give you an opportunity to practise using the Blackboard tools that support online group activities.
Learning objectives
The module will help you to:
- identify the advantages and hazards of online group work
- apply strategies to minimise the hazards commonly associated with online group work
- use a range of methods to divide students into online groups
- change group membership
- create additional groups
- create group discussion topics
- create group assignments
- selectively release a link to a group eLive meeting
- use selective release to create groups.
What is involved with this module?
As with the other modules in the Teaching and learning online (TLO) professional development program, you will use a fictional 'Introduction to UFOs' Blackboard section in which to practise your skills. The tutorial will involve using the Blackboard tools to set up and manage typical online group work activities in this fictional section. The module also contains several pages of information about group work management and assessment issues, with links to further resources.
There is no formal assessment requirement, but we strongly recommend you complete the final activity in the tutorial to ensure you have picked up the relevant skills.
Accessing the module
The module is available online through Staff Development Online (SDO), Deakin's Blackboard environment dedicated to training and practice. It is part of the Teaching and learning online professional development program.
After you register you will have access to the module and a sample unit in which you can practise for six months. You can access these resources at any time and undertake learning at your own pace.
How long does it take?
The module should take approximately one hour to complete, though it may take longer if you do not have a great deal of experience with Blackboard.
Prerequisites
There are no set pre-requisites for this module, but having a reasonable amount of experience in using Blackboard (Vista) will be a definite advantage. If you do not have a great deal of experience in Blackboard, work through the Introduction to DSO module first.
How to register
Contact the Institute of Teaching and Learning.
