Journal 2

“Turning Lurkers into Learners: Increasing Participation in Your
Online Discussions” By Jason Alley and Karen Greenhaus

This article discusses the keys to student learning in an online environment. NETS for students mandates that students should ‘collaborate’ and ‘interact’ with peers through telecommunications. For students to thrive in an online discussion teachers must provide a ‘safe’ and ‘inviting’ environment. It is important that an initial ‘hook’ be provided to spark the student’s interest and develop a sense of community with their peers.
The ‘hook’ is only the first step in the process. As the online experience moves forward it is inevitable that some students will become ‘lurkers,’ rarely or never participating in the online discussion. To avoid this problem the teacher can employ certain strategies such as role playing, debates and allowing the students to facilitate some of the discussions themselves. Using some of these methods will help keep students engaged in an active in online interaction.

Question: What types of ‘hooks’ would I use as a teacher to foster an inviting online environment?

I would set minimum standards for participation and online conduct. Ask students to share something about them selves online. Pose some simple non-threatening questions about favorite TV shows and music.

Question: How would I use the tool of online discussion to study Social Science?

I think the medium would work well as an online courtroom where students would take on certain roles at a trial. It might also work well as a forum for political debate putting one group of students against another.