#4 Online Collaborative Issues

Reflective Essay
I decided to use these techniques and strategies because I felt like the instructors will greatly benefit from using them. I strongly feel like once the instructors have a chance to get to know their learners then, they will know what they can do to actually motivate their learners. The instructors will also be able to use these motivational techniques throughout the course. Making sure the learners are actively involved in the online course, will ultimately determine how successful the program will be. Helping them to be motivated is just another way to ensure that the learners will be active participates. Dixson (2010) explained that “Online courses are here to stay and growing so we need to do them well and that one of the primary components of effective online teaching (or any other teaching, for that matter) is student engagement” (p. 1).
PowerPoint Presentations can be used in many different ways whether it is a presentation for an online course or a presentation in a physical setting. PowerPoint Presentation is a tool that can be used over and over. It brings enrichment to any learning experience. Patten (2001) explained that PowerPoint Presentation are (a) easy to make changes, (b) are versatile and can be changed to fit any audience, (c) very user friendly, and (d) professional. Patten stated that, “The connections between content and presentation of content are easily seen. The planning process helps students see the logical connections between bits of information. Decisions are made that affect the coherence and consistency of the content” (p. 47).
In conclusion, I enjoyed creating this presentation. These are some great techniques and strategies that instructors can use to help get their learners motivated to work in collaborative groups. Once, the instructors actually get to know their learners individually then they will be able to add to this list based on what they feel like are other motivational factors.

References
Dixson, M. D. (2010). Creating effective student engagement in online
courses: What do
students find engaging? Journal of Scholarship of Teaching &
Learning, 10(2), 1-13.
Patten, K. (2001). Why I assign it and why you should too! Book Report, 19(5), 47-48.