Module 6 CCTI Online Tutor Course

So I'm at the end of Module 6. In this module we examined Diversity and Compassionate Communication.

Treating  with Diversity is so important and so is conflict and conflict resolution. Our aim is to create a healthy learning environment and in so doing we cannot attempt to change anyone or the way they think. In so doing we must be responsible for our feelings and not pass judgement on others. Compassionate communication is a really useful way of approaching things especially since it refers to the difference in thinking with the head and heart and offers us various approaches to conflict resolution through the Giraffe approach.

Apart from using these strategies in our online sessions I'm sure fellow educators can see the Giraffe approach as  tools we use in our everyday life and in our day to day management of our classes. Interesting approach isn't it? It will no doubt produce positive results and healthy environments.

Module 5 CCTI Online Tutor Course

This module was based on Effective Online Interaction and allowed me to work with my fellow tutors in training on a collaborative activity, share ideas and help in creating a collaborative document.

The issue of communication has been looked at extensively and a detailed comparison has been made with regards to face-to-face and online communication. It is imperative that we remember online communication has its advantages but it also has shortcomings.

I particularly liked having a chance to give my input towards the development of a Charter for Online Learning Interaction.
http://sync.in/bpUB6FURah
'Charter for online interaction

We, the participants in online learning and interaction, declare that our interaction......'

An extensive but by no means exhaustive list is being created and the benefits of group work continue to speak for themselves. So...I can safely say I added my input to the development of a Charter for Online Learning Interaction. Over the past days the volume of information has been quite a lot. Colleagues have come together and we have been pooling information and helping each other along the way: Key ingredients for any learning environment

My input is that as tutors we:

will demonstrate professionalism and self-confidence;  will acknowledge and register progress when it happens; will adapt to changing situations where necessary; will ask rather than tell participants what to do; will balance the negative with positive in providing feedback to participants.

Throughout the course of the past days we have been exposed to various online communication tools and we have been learning more and more that will certainly be beneficial to us as tutors. Carpe diem!

Module 4 CCTI Online Tutor Course Reflection

The wonders and benefits of group work are evident!

In this module we identified factors encouraging participation, factors that build trust, summarised and stimulated an online discussion and acted as facilitators of online discussions.

From the activity trust was established as a vital entity in building and encouraging participation. As tutors in training we have been reminded of it as being imperative in the relationships between participants and the tutor and participant. Our aim ideally would be to create a healthy and positive learning environment and by looking at the ways trust is important we would be ever mindful of it.

From this I think we are well on our way to course completion and further partnering together. By encouraging participation helping participants would be an even greater reality.

Module 3 CCTI Online Tutor Course Reflection

In this module we compared the advantages of online and offline communication and described the ingredients of successful online communication.
In like manner we compared past experiences with present experiences and examined protocol on communication Skills. The module also allowed us to engage in online collaboration examining face to face and online communication.

What was evident through each of these activities is this.......EACH of the activities reinforced the need for us to be particularly mindful of what our roles as online facilitators would require in terms of communication and how it would impact on the participants under our charge.

Our teamwork and collaborative efforts have made it easier for us and hopefully it will be the same for the participants under our charge.

Module 3 CCTI Online Tutor Course Activity 1

Communication allows for the exchange of information. Face to face communication may allow for a  personal touch and allows one to read facial expressions and body language. Hearing someone's voice allows for registering their tone and may allow greater opportunities for quick feedback. It doesn't require the use of technology.

Online communication may be seen as impersonal and doesn't allow for reading expressions that is unless you consider the effect of CAPS (shouting) or use emoticons. Feedback may be delayed because the online method is dependent on how soon the recipient takes to reply. Even with regards to the use of audibles people don't get the chance to personalize or modify. They don't accomodate every comment that can be used. Tone may not be easily ascertained and not everyone is aware of Netiquette. Also not everyone is tech savy.

Module 2 CCTI Online Tutor Course

So I'm a bit late but can safely say I'm at the end of Module 2 of the CCTI Online Tutor Course. The online collaboration activity (2.1) allowed for continued collaboration and the 2.3 offered each of the tutors in training a new avenue to create collaborative activities.

As group members and tutors in training we are learning from each other, drawing on our experiences and pooling our knowledge together. Through this approach motivating each other and getting through the upcoming days will be an even greater reality.

Module 1 CCTI Online Tutor Course

This module has allowed for interaction and self-evaluation. In so doing it has allowed all those doing this tutor training to examine where they are and allowed for mapping the journey of where we hope to be by the end of the session.

The interaction has served in the spirit of dialogue creation which lends itself to creating trust and builds on teamwork where tutors in training have the opportunity to get to know each other better, share and exchange information. In reality, it lays the platform for it by using interaction and an intial activity which can be regarded as an 'icebreaker' activity.

All in all it was an enjoyable module.