Creating CommunitybyCheryl Katherine Wash

AET 541Creating CommunityAUGUST 25, 2014Instructor Debra LynchHighest Good eLearning Centerpresents:

1Before you begin:If youre not sure what a Personal Folders file is or what it means to store messages on your own computer, see the Outlook 2007 online training presentation titled Manage your mailbox II: Understand your choices for storing.[Note to trainer: For detailed help in customizing this template, see the very last slide. Also, look for additional lesson text in the notes pane of some slides.]

Today you will learn how toIncorporate fun and humor into an online course, thus, making it more personable.

2OVERVIEW This PowerPoint presentation depicts a brief over view methods for instructors to incorporate fun and humor into an online course, thus, making it more personable.

Social mediaIce breakersGames and simulationsCartoons, video, and avatars.

3CREATING COMMUNITYThe Learning Benefits of Humor

According to ehow.com, Humor can enhance learning and strengthen memories, according to educator-researcher Mary Kay Morrison, author of "Using Humor to Maximize Learning." Morrison cites research that shows high levels of activity in multiple areas of the brain when humor was used in conversation and instruction. Additionally humor is found to be an important entryway into improving social connections with others.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_4517225_use-humor-teaching.html

4WEIRD SCIENCE. Scientific findings show that some of the same brain circuitry that responds to humor in adults already exists in 6- to 12 year-olds. Reiss believes that brains, according to ehow.com.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_4517225_use-humor-teaching.html

5WATCH: How Humor Affects Learning

School tends to be about learning serious stuff

How to read, how to write, how to do math.

But research shows that how you teach these subjects may make all the difference, and that a little humor engages the child, and actually stimulates more of the brain. That heightens creativity in problem solving, and helps with memory retention.

The panel includes teacher and stand-up comic Steve Brinder, parent and humor columnist Kathy Buckworth, and Mary Kay Morrison, an educator and author of "Using Humor to Maximize Learning".

For more from TVOParents.com:http://tvoparents.com/,

According to , Humour Affects Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaG678AzVs4

Reference: How Humour Affects Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaG678AzVs4

The Learning Benefits of Humor

Humor can enhance learning and strengthen memories, according to educator-researcher Mary Kay Morrison, author of "Using Humor to Maximize Learning." Morrison cites research that shows high levels of activity in multiple areas of the brain when humor was used in conversation and instruction.

Additionally humor is found to be an important entryway into improving social connections with others. Stanford University researchers are working specifically to understand how humor activates different areas in a childs brain.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_4517225_use-humor-teaching.html

The Learning Benefits of Humor Continued

The research has important implications for understanding development of human relationships. How others accept your participation and humor definitely plays a role during childhood, according to child psychologist Allan Reiss.

Scientific findings show that some of the same brain circuitry that responds to humor in adults already exists in 6- to 12 year-olds. Reiss believes that brains might be able to be trained to interpret a difficult situation in a humorous way in order to help the body cope with stressful circumstances.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_4517225_use-humor-teaching.htmlHOW TO CONVERT BORING TO FUNARCS MODEL

The ARCS model is an instructional design approach that focuses on the motivational aspects of learning environment. The model was created by John Keller in the 80s. There are two major parts to the model.

The first is a set of categories representing the four components of motivation: arousing interest, creating relevance, developing an expectancy of success, and producing satisfaction through intrinsic/extrinsic rewards (Keller 1983). His categories come from a synthesis on reachers by other scholars on human motivation.

The second part of the model is a process that assists instructional designers in creating appropriate motivational elements for the intended learners. The model has been implemented in a wide variety of settings and geographical locations. Additional information about the ARCS model can be found on the following sites:John Keller's site (beware of the cheesy music and animated GIFs!)Theory Into Practice - Motivation

http://elearningindustry.com/how-to-convert-your-elearning-course-from-boring-to-funAccording to http://www.instructionaldesign.org/models/arcs.htmlHOW TO CONVERT BORING TO FUNARCS MODEL

Keller's ARCS model of Motivational Learning is a method for improving the motivational appeal of instructional materials.* The model suggests that learning occurs most effectively when learners are engaged throughout the entire learning process, and that strategies can be put in place to ensure that this engagement carries forward through to the completion.

Keller's ARCS method consists of 4 major components:

Attention - Material must grab the learner's attention

Relevance - Material must matter to them

Confidence - Learners must believe that they can succeed

Satisfaction - Learner must receive some sort of reward or reinforcement at the end of the learning experience

http://elearningindustry.com/how-to-convert-your-elearning-course-from-boring-to-funAccording to CI484-Learning-Technologies - ARCs Model of Motivational Design. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ci484-learning-technologies.wikispaces.com/ARCs+Model+of+Motivational+Design

Photo credit: http://elearningsoft.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/reflexiones-de-una-humilde-expositora-en-expoelearning/SOCIAL MEDIASOCIAL MEDIA US News reported, Of the 80 percent of teachers who use social media personally, 34 percent said they have encountered difficulties when students or parents attempt to connect with them. Overall, fewer than one in five teachers said they use social media in the classroom.

Cook says it's important for teachers to establish clear boundaries for which social media platforms are appropriate for an educational setting, and which are better suited for personal use.

"You could create an account and use Twitter to post information throughout the day to report about classroom activities," she says. "Students could get involved in that in posting the posts to help them practice concise writing. According to, Check Out That Selfie: How to Use Social Media in the Classroom - US News. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/01/17/check-out-that-selfie-how-to-use-social-media-in-the-classroom.

Photo Credit: PatHubert - Web 2.0 Tools. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://pathubert.wikispaces.com/Web+2.0+ToolsICE BREAKERSICE BREAKERSEngage your students with an ice breaker and they'll learn faster

1. Brainstorm Race Find out what your group knows about a topic before you begin a new lesson. Divide them into teams of four and present the topic. Ask them to brainstorm and list as many ideas or questions as they can come up with in a given amount of time. Heres the kicker---they cannot speak. Each student must write his or her ideas on the board or paper youve provided

2. The Power of Story Adults come to your classroom full of powerful personal experiences. When your topic is one that people are certain to have experienced in different ways, what could be a better introduction to a lesson than real-life examples. The only danger here is in controlling the time factor. If you're a good facilitator of time, this is a powerful warm up, and unique every single time

According to, Check Out That Selfie: How to Use Social Media in the Classroom - US News. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/01/17/check-out-that-selfie-how-to-use-social-media-in-the-classroom.Photo Credit: From the Eyes of koko': Program Jalinan Kasih (with SMK Kapit). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ahkamkoko.blogspot.com/2013/07/program-jalinan-kasih-with-smk-kapit.html

According to, Warm-Ups for Introducing New Topics to Lesson Plans. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://adulted.about.com/od/teachers/tp/warmupsforlessonplans.htm.STIMULATION

Photo Credit: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/urban-studies-and-planning/11-127j-computer-games-and-simulations-for-investigation-and-education-spring-2009/Educational simulations offer several benefits:

Simulations are often cheaper to create than their real life counterparts. Installing flight simulation software is cheaper than buying a practice jet for each school,

They are easier to construct Simulations remove the element of danger from the situation. For example, you can "interact" with a Bengal tiger in a simulation quite safely. Simulations can be paused, whereas real life cannot. Pausing allows more time for students to assess what's going on.According to http://www.creativeteachingsite.com/edusims.htmlUSE SIMULATION TO HELP STUDENTS LEARNGAMES According to http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/urban-studies-and-planning/11-127j-computer-games-and-simulations-for-investigation-and-education-spring-2009/

Mobile Games for Adult Learning: Whats the Appeal? - eLearning Industry. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://elearningindustry.com/mobile-games-for-adult-learning-what-is-the-appeal?buffer_share=e9f0f&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer%253A%252BBLPindy%252Bon%252BtwitterNew Gaming Cultures

Mobile gamesseam to appeal to a great rage of audiences, while according to a large-scale online survey I conducted as part of my research49%of respondents answered that they play games on their mobile device (either phone or tablet) more often than on other devices.

Mobile gamesare usually less complex to learn and to play in comparison with traditional video games thus facilitating a lower barrier to entry. Intuitive controls, simpler game-play, shorter game sessions and fun cartoon-like edgy visuals seam to be some of the reasons that make such games appealing to many different users and age-ranges. And it is this exact appeal that makes them a suitable medium foradult learners, maybe even more so than traditional game-based learning.

According to nobelprize.org, http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/Educational

You don't have to be a genius to understand the work of the Nobel Laureates. These games and simulations, based on Nobel Prize-awarded achievements, will teach and inspire you while you're having FUN!CARTOONSPhoto credits and reference: http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/education_and_teacherVisit http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/education_and_teacher

Education and Teacher cartoons for presentations, newsletters and more.

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Have a blog or website? Offer my free education and teacher cartoon to your readers, and watch them come back for fresh daily content!Education and Teacher Cartoons RSS

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AVATARS

Photo Credits: http://disruptiveinnovators.wikispaces.com/IntroductionsHere are some amazing ways avatars are being used in education today:

Training teachers

Avatars are being used specifically for teacher training. Specially designed avatars realistically imitate different types of students to help teachers practice classroom management and relate to their students.

The trainee teachers stand in front of a projection screen on which they see avatars that are being controlled, or acted out, by actual students trained to behave a certain way. Other noises or outbursts like laughing or obnoxious sound effects are added to simulate a fully realistic experience. (OCA or StC as our own examples)

2. Vokis

Vokis are speaking avatars, and teachers in all subjects, but especially language classes, are using them by recording their own voices to match their digital avatar. Using more animated avatars helps students who feel disconnected from class discussions or who are more audio learners rather than visual learners process material and relate to the lesson more personally. Language teachers have been using Vokis to help students with pronunciation and conversation, letting them voice-over their own avatars.

One of the interesting examples of this type of interaction is at SPEAK2Me.net, where a beautiful avatar named Lucy helps Chinese-speaking people practice their English. She asks you questions, which you answer by typing and, hopefully, also speaking, for the practice. The result is a real conversation with a virtual conversationalist. With practice and persistence, a quicker, better comprehension of the mysterious English language can be achieved.According to http://www.aspinelearning.com.au/content/Use-and-benefits-of-Avatars-in-virtual-learningVIDEOS

Go to Teacher Tube on YouTube to learn how to incorporate appropriate humorous videos into your classroom and presentations.

https://www.youtube.com/user/teachers/videosWarning. This video contains language that may be offensive. Watch Video.

Very Funny but not school to be used in the classroom! This would not be appropriate for audience under 21 years of age but still may be offensive.JOKESThere are websites like:

Top 20 Teacher Jokes By: TeachHUB Blog Teacher Jokes

Go to: http://www.teachhub.com/top-20-teacher-jokesTeacher JokesFor a quick giggle, we've compiled and concocted 20 side-splitting (and maybe a little corny) teacher jokes to laugh our way through next week.

Question: What is a math teachers favorite sum?

Answer: Summer!

Reference: http://www.teachhub.com/top-20-teacher-jokes

STAYING RELEVANTManage your mailbox III: Move or copy messages to Personal FoldersAccording to The onset of emails, instant messaging and cell phone texting has created an entire language composed of abbreviations. Keep up with the times and technology and learn how to abbreviate laughing and learn which abbreviation to use depending upon how funny you find something. Share your laughter with your friends and family with a few abbreviations instead of full sentences.

According to, Abbreviations for Laughing | eHow. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8368256_abbreviations-laughing.html

Abbreviations for Laughing | eHow. (n.d.).

Abbreviations for Laughing | eHow. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8368256_abbreviations-laughing.htmlManage your mailbox III: Move or copy messages to Personal FoldersLOL

"LOL," short for "laughing out loud," is among the most commonly used abbreviations for laughing. The choice of lowercase or capital letters in this abbreviation also indicates the degree of laughter. Used in instant messages, emails and texts, "LOL" also appears regularly on social networking sites. This abbreviation for laughing has become so widely used that it's been referred to on nationally televised programs.

LMAO

"LMAO" is used to indicate hard laughter and stands for "laughing my a** off." The more polite version of this abbreviation is "LMBO" ("laughing my butt off" or "laughing my backside off"). "LMAO" or "LMBO" reflects strong laughter or something that's funnier than the more traditional "LOL" would indicate.

ROTFLMAO

"ROTFLMAO" or "ROFLMAO" is short for "rolling on the floor, laughing my a** off." This abbreviation reflects laughter that's harder or lasts longer than a laugh indicated by the abbreviations of "LOL" or "LMAO." This particular abbreviation for laughing has become so widely used that certain role-playing games have turned the abbreviation into a word and used it in songs featured on the game's website.

SWL

"SWL, or "screaming with laughter" is used to indicate the maximum hilarity and laughter. When people write "SWL," they're likely doing a full belly laugh that includes knee slapping. This particular abbreviation for laughter isn't as widely recognized or used as "LOL," "LMAO" or "ROTFLMAO" and seems to be used in spurts before it fades back out of use again.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/info_8368256_abbreviations-laughing.html

Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8368256_abbreviations-laughing.html

Abbreviations for Laughing | eHow. (n.d.).

AcronymsHOW TO: Keep a cartoon or joke fileA Personal Folders file is located on your own computer. Create a new folder and rename it cartoon. You can even have sub-folders under the main cartoon folder to be specific.Once again, its similar to having a personal filing cabinet. Keep a Cartoon and Joke File

According to ehow.com, Ed Dunkelblau, Director of the Institute for Emotionally Intelligent Learning, suggests rotating cartoons and jokes on a bulletin board, or implementing a tradition such as Joke Friday. Cartoons without captions also can be used to encourage creative thinking and to assess student understanding of dialogue.

Reference: How to Use Humor in Teaching | eHow. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_4517225_use-humor-teaching.html

21Warning: Danger WILL ROBINSONTeaching with Humor. ... Know your student/teacher dynamics and judge the joke climate carefully; ... humor should be employed deliberately and be very well thought out. DONT GET LOST IN SPACE LIKE WILL ROBINSON. EDUCATORS CAN BE AND HAVE BEEN FIRED FOR BAD JOKES!!!!According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Space, Lost in Space is an American science fiction television series created and produced by Irwin Allen, filmed by 20th Century Fox Television, and broadcast on CBS. The show ran for three seasons, with 83 episodes airing between September 15, 1965, and March 6, 1968. The first television season was filmed in black and white, but the remainders were filmed in color. In 1998, a Lost in Space movie, based on the television series, was released.

Warning WILL ROGERAccording to http://teaching.colostate.edu/tips/tip.cfm?t, Humor can also misfire. It's funny that way. That which you consider funny, others may not. To be effective in the classroom, humor must be constructive. Take care to place jokes and anecdotes within the context of the material being presented, and in a manner that supports the lesson being taught. Teaching with Humor. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://teaching.colostate.edu/tips/tip.cfm?tipid=47

According According to http://teaching.colostate.edu/tips/tip.cfm?t, to ere are some of his observations:

Avoid hurtful humor: Dont be hostile toward, or demeaning of, others

Let common sense guide your subject selection, tone and intent

Know your student/teacher dynamics and judge the joke climate carefully

Lose your fear of embarrassment. Its okay to make a fool of yourself in the interest of drawing shyer students out of their shells

Make humor relevant: Deliver timely, content-oriented material

Dont be afraid to Act Out concepts and content

Use funny movie and TV clips to make a point

Do a little dance when the ring of a musical cell phone disrupts the class Use humor in test and quiz questions. It will help lift the veil of test-anxiety When appropriate, use funny life stories: Both yoursand with permissionyour studentsCONCLUSIONLighten Up the Atmosphere Humor can be used to enrich literacy skills, spark creativity, teach critical analysis or just lighten the mood in the classroom. Include lighthearted remarks throughout lessons or poke fun at yourself and your mistakes. This can make students smile and has the added benefit of showing students that teachers are human.

According to ehow.com Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_4517225_use-humor-teaching.html

Photos: Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://flickr.com

Questions, Comments

The End

ReferencesAbbreviations for Laughing | eHow. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8368256_abbreviations-laughing.htmlARCS Model. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.instructionaldesign.org/models/arcs.htmlCheck Out That Selfie: How to Use Social Media in the Classroom - US News. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/01/17/check-out-that-selfie-how-to-use-social-media-in-the-classroomHaythornthwaite, C., & Andrews, R. (2011). E-learning theory & practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.CI484-Learning-Technologies - ARCs Model of Motivational Design. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ci484-learning-technologies.wikispaces.com/ARCs+Model+of+Motivational+DesignDisruptive Innovators - Introductions. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://disruptiveinnovators.wikispaces.com/IntroductionsFrom the Eyes of koko': Program Jalinan Kasih (with SMK Kapit). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ahkamkoko.blogspot.com/2013/07/program-jalinan-kasih-with-smk-kapit.htmlHaythornthwaite, C., & Andrews, R. (2011). E-learning theory & practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.How Humour Affects Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaG678AzVs4How to Use Humor in Teaching | eHow. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_4517225_use-humor-teaching.htmlhttp://www.nea.org/tools/52165.htmImages Royalty Free Retrieved from websites: Microsoft.com Bing.co, and Flickr.comImages Funny Teachers Day Scraps Status and Cover Pic. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.scraps123.com/2010/09/funny-teachers-day-scraps.htmlLost in Space - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). RetrievedNovember16, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Space

References ContinuedMobile Games for Adult Learning: Whats the Appeal? - eLearning Industry. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://elearningindustry.com/mobile-games-for-adult-learning-what-is-the-appeal?buffer_share=e9f0f&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer%253A%252BBLPindy%252Bon%252BtwitterNEA - Using Humor in the Classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/tools/52165.htmPatHubert - Web 2.0 Tools. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://pathubert.wikispaces.com/Web+2.0+ToolsPowers, T. (2005, December). Engaging Students with Humor. The Observer, 18(12). Retrieved fromhttp://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2005/december-05/engaging-students-with-humor.htmlReflexiones de una humilde expositora en Expoelearning | ElearningSoft. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://elearningsoft.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/reflexiones-de-una-humilde-expositora-en-expoelearning/Stavredes, T. (2011). Effective online teaching: Foundations and strategies for student success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-BassSubstitute Teacher - Key & Peele. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7FixvoKBwUse and benefits of Avatars in virtual learning | Aspin eLearning. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aspinelearning.com.au/content/Use-and-benefits-of-Avatars-in-virtual-learningTeacher/education cartoons you can use! - ANDERTOONS TEACHERS. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/education_and_teacherTeaching with Humor. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://teaching.colostate.edu/tips/tip.cfm?tipid=47Warm-Ups for Introducing New Topics to Lesson Plans. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://adulted.about.com/od/teachers/tp/warmupsforlessonplans.htm