by dulhunk

From Judith McDaniel

I was wondering to myself why

some of my students are verbal

wonders in our online discussions

and silent in the face to face

discussion format. 

That led to the following list. 

If you can think of other reasons for this phenomenon, we’d love to hear from you!

Five ways online learning breaks down “fear of” barriers 

1.  I’m not quick off the mark when a teacher asks a question. 

·           No one can watch me try to think!   

2.  I don’t always manage to say what I mean. 

·           I can try my words out in private before I post them. 

3.  My ideas are complicated and I’m afraid of being misunderstood. 

·           I can try out new ideas in a safe place.

 4.  When I respond in class I sometimes end up feeling like I needed a dress rehearsal!

            ·           I can practice alone in front of my mirror.

 5.  I hate how people seem to expect me to respond in a certain way because of how I look or how they see “people like me.”

           ·           I get to choose how much I let people know about me, so I don’t feel “prejudged.”

Any additions?  I know there are many more…