LInC: Introduction Chat Discussion Plan

Goals:

The participants will be able to find what they need in LInC Web pages using
the navigation bars on the Homepage.
The participants will learn the structure and process of this course.
The participants will learn the course expectations and the end products they will create for Act I. /lincon/act/intro/products.shtml
The participants will view sample reflections and responses as a model of class expectations.
The participants will get a chance to ask their questions about the course.

Product:

Process:

Strategies:

Introduce yourself to the group. Try to bond with the participants to get off to a good start.
Have the participants introduce themselves to each other. Ask them to include the subject/grade level that they teach.
Give the participants an overview of the topics and goals for the discussion.
Part One for this chat:

The first forty-five minutes will be spent showing the participants the website. Be sure to point out each of the following:

Tour of Website
- Homepage- Ask participants to bookmark it.
- Chat Schedule
- Assignment Page
- Assignment Status
- Guide them to understand the goals, process, end products, and available resources for the course.

Importatnt things to keep in mind about the class.

Class /Chat Expectations
Arrive on time and don't leave until class is over for the evening
Respond to other participant's ideas
Don't monopolize the chat
Treat this as you would a face-to-face class

Have the participants look at the end products page. Point out the following:

Participation and Attendance
Field-Test Reflection Journal Examples and WOWs
Future Action Plan
Ask for questions.

Discussion Prompts

Direct the participants to read over some of the past reflection examples /lincon/act/examples/journalreflections/
- Do you have any questions about what you are asked to post and how frequently?
- What topics do the reflections you have read seemed to focus on?
- In what ways can posting these reflections help you and others?
- How do the WOWs posted in response to the reflection impact the use of the bulletin board by participants?

Resources:

Closing:

Prompt the participants to read the assignment page for next week, complete the work, and notify their facilitator when assignments have been posted.
Tell the participants to be sure to e-mail questions to the facilitators or to the listserv.
Remind the participants of office hours and any important upcoming due dates.
Thank the participants for attending the chat.

Prediscussion E-mail Message to Participants:

Hello All,

This week we will be having our first online discussion. It is our chance to get reacqauntedr. We will get started by getting an overview of the content, process, and end products of the course.

In order to participate in the chat effectively, you will need to have your browser window open at the same time you are discussing.

The channel (room) you'll need to go to is now posted on the discussion schedule for this week's meeting.
(Wed., Feb.. 3) discussion from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST

Please check the discussion schedule before the class meets so you know where to go. You can get to the discussion schedule by going to your home page for the course

/lincon/w99/index.shtml

and clicking on DISCUSSION SCHEDULE which is navigation bar at the top of the page.

Please test your chat software at least a week before this chat to make certain it works. If you have trouble, please email the staff listserv and let us know you are having trouble and explain the nature of the problem.

See you at the discussion.

Sign your name here.

Authors: Sharon Gatz and Stephen Meehan
Created: July 2005 - Updated: July 21, 2006
URL: /lincon/act/fac/discuss/class_intro.shtml