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In chapter two of Teaching Crowds (Dron and Anderson, 2014), I found many important elements outlined in the various learning theories.
First of all, according to Social Constructivism, learning is most valuable when it's useful to the learner. Based on my own experience with teaching, students are most interested and engaged when there is a purpose to learning and when new content is grounded in "authentic contexts" (43).  This is not always easy to attain, but I try to demonstrate how concepts within the classroom connect to real life.
Secondly, it was mentioned that there is growing research that collaborative learning results in higher satisfaction and engagement, with fewer students dropping out (44-45). I have had the opportunity to teach AND learn both asynchronously and synchronously over the last year and a half.  Personally, from both a learner and teacher perspective, asynch was much less satisfying because the human connection and accountability elements were not as prevalent.
Finally, I found both Distributed Cognition and CASs particularly relevant to online learning. For example, it demonstrates how important it is for a course within an LMS to be designed and organized effectively for learners. Also, teachers need to be able to adapt to the unpredictable nature of teaching online.

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I really appreciated Chapman, Ramondt and Smiley's (2006) outlook on the importance of building community in online forums. It really has me thinking about my own program (fully asynchronous) and how I can continue to add elements that create connections between my students and their peers. My students are working full time so the flexibility of the asynchronous classroom is important to them, but I've realized how important connection is and without it, the learning isn't quite the same. I've just created two new courses and added group projects (using MS teams), padlets, jamboards, video discussion submissions, etc., all as a way to create more connection.  We'll see how it goes!

I also liked how Chapman et al., discussed the importance of asynchronous discussion as a way to really allow for thoughtful and reflective discourse between peers. This is something I use often in my courses.

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By allowing students and instructors to interact in real time. It's a video chat product that includes whiteboard, poling features and breakout rooms; academic tools that facilitate learning.

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- easy to learn for teachers and students
- interactive
- easy form of communication between educators and students
- parents may be included in the conversation
- badges given. (gamification)

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- google apps can be combined for a social and collaborative environment
-encourages connectives
-conversations can happen within the documents using the chat or the comment feature
-sharing is available
-allows multiple groups at any time and logs the version history so the instructors can view the progress and contributions of the group
-easy to use for learners and instructors
-can be easily accessed
-project is always live, always up to date (no versions to confuse)
-variety of expression options (voice, written, video, drawing , drag and drop/cut and paste scrapbooking feel, - real time and delayed options)

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It may truly surprise you how much Google contributes to assisting and streamlining our every day lives. The list below is a compilation of the best desktop and mobile applications owned by Google. Most of the items listed may be familiar to you but there are a few lesser known apps that may require a closer look. Vote up your favorite free Google apps below and see how they rank!

Google's reach is a wide one and the applications listed here offer everything from entertainment and navigation tools, to cloud storage and video chat. Included in this list are heavy hitters like Gmail, Google Chrome, Google Drive, Google Maps, and Chromecast. If there's something you need, it's more than likely Google has an app for that - and it's free!

After you are finished voting on the best Google apps, go ahead and check out the best news apps for your Android smartphone as well!

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It may truly surprise you how much Google contributes to assisting and streamlining our every day lives. The list below is a compilation of the best desktop and mobile applications owned by Google. Most of the items listed may be familiar to you but there are a few lesser known apps that may...

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Can be used and modified collaboratively and in real time. Users can directly edit the document, can suggest, and can ask questions to fellow users which will send a notification. All these factors increase social presence and collaboration within one task.

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This page helps you choose among various technologies (not just LMSs) using two approaches:

examples of learning outcomes, the kinds of learning activities that could achieve those outcomes, and how those activities could be supported by various learning technologies

examples of the tools you may be interested in using and the types of activities and learning outcomes that are likely to be relevant.

Learning outcomes x technology tools matrix

Table 1: Sample learning outcomes, rationales and activities

The following table provides examples of learning outcomes, the kinds of learning activities that promote those outcomes, and how the activities could be supported by learning technologies.

Table 2: Tools related to activities, and their contribution to learning outcomes

The following table provides examples of the tools you may be interested in using and looks at the types of activities and learning outcomes that are likely to be relevant.

Potential uses of technology

Relevant activities (How?)

Rationale (Why?)

Desired learning outcomes (What?)

Blogs

Negotiate understanding

Multiple perspectives

Feedback on performance

Contribute to external

activity

conversations

resources

Information literacy

Global practice

Working in teams

Written communication skills

Critical reviewing

Giving and receiving feedback

Discussion forum

LMS groups (Moodle)

Problem/case-based learning

Peer review (Moodle)

Assessing team contribution

Checking for plagiarism

Appropriate referencing

Alternative to face to face or text

Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing

Can be original work or sourced material.

Sharing video material

Presenting

Digital storytelling

Discussion trigger

Reflective tool

Archiving class activities

Digital literacy when part of student work

Interactive Media

Echo360

Flexible access to material

Revision for NESB or students unable to attend class

Self-directed learning

See also on this section of the website:

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This page helps you choose among various technologies (not just LMSs) using two approaches: examples of learning outcomes, the kinds of learning activities that could achieve those outcomes, and how those activities could be supported by various learning technologies examples of the tools you may be interested in using and the types of activities and learning outcomes that are likely to be relevant.

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<p>The following list of social learning tools are used from online educators for pedagogical and androgogical purposes.</p>

15 Social Learning Tools Every Online Educator Should Know About

Social software and social media are used from online educators to facilitate collaborative learning through interactions between learn and learners, learn and content, and learner(s) and online educator. It worth mentioning that these tools can be used as formal and informal learning environments and support dynamic knowledge educational communities.

If you favorite social learning tool is not included in this list please leave a comment and I will added at the Top of the list!

1. Edmodo provides teachers and students a secure place to connect and collaborate, share content and educational applications, and access homework, grades, class discussions and notifications.

2. Edublogs lets you easily create & manage student & teacher blogs, quickly customize designs and include videos, photos & podcasts - it's safe, easy and secure so try out an Edublog today!

3. Elgg is an award-winning open source social networking engine that provides a robust framework on which to build all kinds of social environments, from a campus wide social network for your university, school or college or an internal collaborative platform for your organization through to a brand-building communications tool for your company and its clients.

4. Safely Connect With Classrooms Around the World for Collaborative, Project-Based Learning. ePals is a platform designed to promote meaningful teaching and learning, showing teachers and students how to use technology strategically to promote the fundamental learning principles essential for academic achievement.

5. Google Collaboration Tools
Bring students, teachers and teams together. Fast, easy collaboration is what makes Google Apps unique.

6. Grockit
Grockit is an adaptive, personalized learning program distinguished by its unique social learning features that are proven to help people learn quickly and answer more questions correctly.

7. MindMeister
MindMeister brings people together with collaborative solutions. MindMeister has been built from the ground up to facilitate collaboration. Mind Mapping, Brainstorming. The leading online mind mapping software.

8. Create a perfect social website to bring people together. With your own look and feel, and choice of social integration.

9. OpenStudy is a social learning network where students ask questions, give help, and connect with other students studying the same things.

10. Quora connects you to everything you want to know about. When you want to know more about something, Quora delivers you answers and content from people who share your interests and people who have first-hand knowledge.

11. Schoology is the ultimate way to manage lessons, engage students, share content, and connect with other educators

12. Community calling with your online groups. Create, schedule and run a live show. Integrate the recording on your website.

13. VoiceThread
A VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to navigate slides and leave comments in 5 ways - using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via a webcam). Share a VoiceThread with friends, students, and colleagues for them to record comments too.

14. Wikispaces
Wikis promote collaborative learning and information sharing because anyone with rights can add content to the wiki. You can share work and ideas, pictures and links, videos and media, and anything else you can think of.

15. Yammer is a Private Social Network for Your Company. Collaborate securely across departments, geographies, content and business applications.

You may also find the following lists of tools useful:

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Social Learning Tools Every Online Educator Should Know About - eLearning Industry

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The following list of social learning tools are used from online educators for pedagogical and androgogical purposes. Social software and social media are used from online educators to facilitate collaborative learning through interactions between learn and learners, learn and content, and learner(s) and online educator.

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To Start During Thursday's Adobe Connect Breakout Session

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To Start During Thursday's Adobe Connect Breakout Session

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Share your thoughts, or any neat resources you've found related to this week's readings!
NOTE - Feel free to insert a link to your Week 2 Blog / vLog post, if you have a lot of thoughts/ideas to share!

(edit your card, and click on "Connect to a Post" to connect it to one of the readings)

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In your breakout groups (as created during the Week 2 Adobe Connect session), select an app or tool from either the Pappas article, or the UNSW site. Share your group's thoughts on how it supports social learning.

Share your group's thoughts by linking your post to the appropriate card below (edit your card, and click on "Connect to a Post"

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What stood out to you from these chapters?

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What are your thoughts?

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Thoughts on Chapman, Ramondt & Smiley (2006)

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Thoughts on Chapman, Ramondt & Smiley (2006)

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What are your thoughts on this reading?