Effectively Facilitating Learning Teams in a Distance Education Environment

Session Description
In an online classroom environment, students tend to work independently which can cause a feeling of isolation and ultimately have an effect on student retention (Erdem Adin & Gumis, 2016). Additionally, according to McDowell, Agarwal, Miller, Okamoto, and Page (2016), organizations are moving from hierarchical organizational models to a “network of teams.” Therefore, it is important that students learn to collaborate with each other to foster a sense of community while learning goal setting, project management, and leadership skills that can be applied in the workplace. Assigning learning teams is one way to achieve these outcomes while encouraging active learning. This presentation will discuss how online instructors can facilitate successful learning team experiences by helping students set expectations when it comes to working in a group of diverse learners. An emphasis will be placed on creating a “safe place” and promoting extended discussion. Additionally, the use of tools such as Remind.com, Google docs, Kahoot!, and Blackboard (Collaborate) along with grading fairly using best practices will be addressed.
Presenter(s)
Marsha Morgenstern
Marsha Morgenstern, University of Phoenix, Tempe, AZ, USA

  • M.A. Adult Education and Training (2018 Candidate), University of Phoenix
  • M.A. Business Communication, Jones International University
  • B. A. Communication, Florida Gulf Coast University
  • 9+ years experience in higher education
  • Published Freelance writer
  • Associate Faculty, University of Phoenix, Pittsburgh Technical College
Shannon Stahl
Shannon Stahl, University of Phoenix, Tempe, AZ, USA
Cheryl Hancock
Cheryl Hancock, University of Phoenix, Tempe, Arizona, USA
Allison Mintz
Allison Mintz, University of Phoenix, Tempe, AZ, USA
Allison Mintz has worked in the field of Adult Education for over 18 years. Allison graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and completed her Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. Currently, she is pursuing a second Master’s Degree in Adult Education through the University of Phoenix and will be completing her program on April 30, 2018.

Throughout her career, she has been dedicated in working with at-risk students, increasing student satisfaction, mentoring new faculty, and developing strategies to motivate and encourage student success and learning. She has worked with at-risk students by promoting a diversified classroom environment, and has focused her teaching on introducing engagement strategies to increase retention and to create a personal and positive learning environment.

While teaching was a primary focus in Allison’s life she has also spent over ten years working in the non-profit arena. She was Director of Special Events for the Museum of Discovery & Science in Florida and has also worked for the Animal Foundation and the Florida Grand Opera. Through these experiences, Allison has been able to develop valuable expertise in the areas of fundraising, volunteer management, recruiting and training, and cultivating donors and sponsors.

Allison has continued to utilize her experience and education to help promote and guide NorthBridge on meeting its mission and long-term company vision. As Director of Academic Programs, Allison is dedicated to providing students with a professional and cooperative environment where they can realize their potential and move forward to successfully complete their post-secondary education.

Audience
All Audiences

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4 Responses to Effectively Facilitating Learning Teams in a Distance Education Environment

  1. pmachell@purdueglobal.edu April 17, 2018 at 7:50 am #

    Great ideas were presented in this session. I particularly like the fact that a team effort was used to present the material. Great role model for team assignments! I appreciate the information about Remind.com and Kahoot. Overall, excellent session.

    • marsha.morgenstern@gmail.com April 17, 2018 at 8:27 am #

      Thank you for the positive comments! I am glad you liked our presentation. We appreciate the feedback. -Marsha

  2. julie.engeland@faculty.ashford.edu April 17, 2018 at 8:33 am #

    Thank you for this very interesting presentation! It really caused me to think differently about how we use spaces here in the U.S.

  3. jaimemch@hawaii.edu April 19, 2018 at 8:52 pm #

    I have had my students work in teams for years now, but I have been so overburdened with other teaching tasks that I never took the time to research how to make the teams work together more effectively. You guys just helped drag me out of the darkness in one short presentation. Thank you so much!

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