Building an On-Line Class Community

Often, when the common lay person thinks about a "virtual" classroom setting, their first thought might gravitate to the first negative question: "Why would anyone choose to learn this way?   Doesn't the learner miss out on the social interactions?"
As facilitators and educators of on-line classrooms one of our biggest goals is to build a community of interacting learners.    When we are teaching a group of students we want them to learn from each other and to show respect for their fellow learners thoughts.   A skilled leader of a virtual classroom will do many things:

1. Share information about themselves,  to humanize themselves as a teacher
2. Be a role model for professionalism
3. Allow learners time to learn about others and to share information about themselves
4. Set high expectations for appropriate behavior

As a classroom teacher working with elementary aged students, one of the most important things that I do for my students is to create a classroom where students feel welcome and safe. Safe to learn and  to share ideas.   I do this by setting the expectations for my students prior to the start of every class.   Below you will find an example of this. 

Ice Breakers

So, to open my very first blog, it might be appropriate to start with the topic of Ice Breakers.

What are they?
This is the opportunity for your community of learners to get to know one another.

When should they been used?
Well to start with, they should be considered when starting with a group of students that are being faciltated.

Why should they be used?
Ice Breakers help virtual learners share themselves with others who can make no other impression of them.   It is known that when people have an identity within a group or a connection to a group their interest grows.

What are some effective examples of Ice Breakers that can be used?
Think of using visuals that students can identify with.   Think of simple ways that students can express their personality without feeling judged or intimidated.

• post pictures of famous people that they can identify with and ask them to choose their favorite.  
• ask them do place themselves on a map based on, where they live, where they would like to travel, etc
• have them  identify a favorite activity
• have it relate to the topic that you are teaching (choosing a favorite character from a novel)  

Here are some examples of Ice Breakers I have used.