Plan How You Will Prepare the Students For Using The New Tool or Activity
Students cannot be expected to “know” how to discuss effectively either online or
inperson. Nor can we expect them to “know” how to work effectively in a group
setting, particularly in a virtual group. You will need to prepare students for the work
they will be doing. This means not only teaching them the mechanics of using the new
tool, but also how to have a discussion online. You will also need to prepare them for
working in groups. Consider giving a workshop on group work to teach them how to
work as a team in a face-to-face setting so groups can begin to understand the
dynamics of their team and what their own role in the group will be. You can also
model online how to have an effective discussion.