In this session, participants will explore the way online discussions can be used to complement their existing curriculum to create a student-centered classroom. Using the community of inquiry model as a basis, we will engage in discussions and activities that allow participants to practice: 1. Creating a safe space online to foster community building, 2. Asking dynamic questions to drive meaningful discussions, 3. Flipping the classroom to introduce concepts at home freeing up class time for hands-on practicum/collaborative group work, and 4. Using the online space to facilitate student driven projects. Participants will walk away with tangible resources and exciting ideas for how to successfully integrate online discussions!

Outcome:

Participants will know how to set up an online space with intention to teach students how to engage in conversations that are respectful, supportive and substantive. They will feel confident designing online opportunities for students to get to know one another and develop their social presence online.

Participants will practice designing questions related to their subject area. They will work with other educators in their subject area to brainstorm strategies for flipping their instruction to more effectively engage students in the classroom.

Participants will also explore the way online discussions can be used to support more successful student driven projects. They will see examples, then adapt a project idea for their subject area that uses class work and online discussions.

Each attendee will walk away with their own Collaborize Classroom site (free education platform with highly developed discussion component) and tangible resources to implement the ideas discussed.