Randy Wolfe

Comment on Amanda Vickers's post: Yes, this can be difficult to do. Nowadays people tend to read too much into what is being said. It can also apply to social media posts or text messages. Its a difficult rope to walk. 

I thought it was interesting to learn about asynchronous discussions as well as learning about constructive feedback in student posts/comments.  

I have found that its important to allow for students to own the discussion and for teachers not to over dominate the conversation. There is a specific time (and that's during the instructional part) for teachers to do that. The answers and engagement is for the students. Teachers just facilitate this part. 

Comment on Carol Fann's post: I agree with you. If you aren't an effective communicator it makes it harder for students to stay engaged. That is from the rules to the course content. 

First, learners receiving feedback is important. Second, formal learning assessments/programs can be used to evaluate the students. It can enhance engagement! 

One of the things I've learned and is quite a concept is the idea of having the learners create their games. They often can attribute what they learned and even prior knowledge to help their peers stay engaged. They know each other better than the instructors in many cases. 

I think having (for beginners) easy to follow instructions and an advanced method for those who are already accustomed to it. This would help facilitate engagement, students hopefully won't get bored. Some need more of the social interaction but that should be done in moderation and still keep the engagement high. 

As technology is surging within our schools, I think the idea of a "game" can spark an interest in the students learning. Many don't know how to utilize their computers/tablets as tools and instead think that "games" are like what they do at home. Teaching them how to use their devices as tools will help them understand that a "game" will facilitate their learning and they will want to engage more.