Digital Literacy - Session 6 - Collaboration, Online Learning & Tools for Online Learning

• Computing
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Digital Literacy

Collaboration, Online Learning & Tools for Online Learning

Aims for this session:

A.C 4.1 - Use technology to communicate, collaborate and present information online.

A.C 4.2 - Engage actively in online learning and describe the benefits of this style of learning.

A.C 4.3 - Use digital tools to manage own learning time and tasks

MS Teams

OneDrive

Canvas

Belfast MET Online Platforms

MS Teams

Communication

- Chat: Students can use the chat feature for quick messaging, asking questions, or sharing updates with peers or teachers.

- Calls and Video Meetings: Teams allows one-on-one or group calls and video meetings for real-time discussions.

- Channels: Dedicated channels can be set up for specific topics, projects, or groups, ensuring discussions remain organised.

- Announcements: Teachers or group leaders can use the “Post” feature in channels to share important updates or reminders.

MS Teams

Communication

- Chat: Students can use the chat feature for quick messaging, asking questions, or sharing updates with peers or teachers.

- Calls and Video Meetings: Teams allows one-on-one or group calls and video meetings for real-time discussions.

- Channels: Dedicated channels can be set up for specific topics, projects, or groups, ensuring discussions remain organised.

- Announcements: Teachers or group leaders can use the “Post” feature in channels to share important updates or reminders.

Collaboration

- File Sharing: Students can upload and share documents, presentations, and other resources within Teams. These files are automatically stored in SharePoint, making them accessible to all group members.

- Real-time Editing: Using Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), students can co-edit documents in real-time, reducing the need for emailing versions back and forth.  

- Planner/Tasks: Teams integrates with Planner, allowing groups to assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress collaboratively.

MS Teams

Communication

- Chat: Students can use the chat feature for quick messaging, asking questions, or sharing updates with peers or teachers.

- Calls and Video Meetings: Teams allows one-on-one or group calls and video meetings for real-time discussions.

- Channels: Dedicated channels can be set up for specific topics, projects, or groups, ensuring discussions remain organised.

- Announcements: Teachers or group leaders can use the “Post” feature in channels to share important updates or reminders.

Collaboration

- File Sharing: Students can upload and share documents, presentations, and other resources within Teams. These files are automatically stored in SharePoint, making them accessible to all group members.

- Real-time Editing: Using Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), students can co-edit documents in real-time, reducing the need for emailing versions back and forth.  

- Planner/Tasks: Teams integrates with Planner, allowing groups to assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress collaboratively.

Presenting Information

- Screen Sharing: Students can share their screens during calls or meetings to present projects, slideshows, or research findings.  

- PowerPoint Live: Enables students to deliver professional-looking presentations while seeing their notes and audience reactions simultaneously.  

- Recording: Presentations or discussions can be recorded and saved in Teams, making them available for review.

- Breakout Rooms: During group presentations, breakout rooms allow smaller teams to discuss or practice before rejoining the main session.

OneDrive

Communication

- File Sharing with Links: Students can share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations by generating secure links. Permissions can be adjusted to allow view-only or editing access.

- Comments and Feedback: In Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files stored on OneDrive, students can leave comments, tag peers using "@mentions," and resolve issues collaboratively.  

- Integration with Email and Teams: Shared OneDrive links can be used within MS Teams chats, channels, or emails for quick communication about specific resources.  

OneDrive

Communication

- File Sharing with Links: Students can share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations by generating secure links. Permissions can be adjusted to allow view-only or editing access.

- Comments and Feedback: In Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files stored on OneDrive, students can leave comments, tag peers using "@mentions," and resolve issues collaboratively.  

- Integration with Email and Teams: Shared OneDrive links can be used within MS Teams chats, channels, or emails for quick communication about specific resources.  

Collaboration

- Real-Time Co-Authoring: Multiple students can work simultaneously on documents, spreadsheets, or presentations. Changes are saved automatically.

- Version History: OneDrive keeps track of file versions, allowing students to review previous drafts or restore earlier versions.

-Folder Sharing: Students can create shared folders for group projects, ensuring everyone has access to essential resources in one place.

- Integrated Apps: Tools like OneNote and Whiteboard can be linked to OneDrive, making it easy to share brainstorming notes or project plans.  

OneDrive

Communication

- File Sharing with Links: Students can share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations by generating secure links. Permissions can be adjusted to allow view-only or editing access.

- Comments and Feedback: In Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files stored on OneDrive, students can leave comments, tag peers using "@mentions," and resolve issues collaboratively.  

- Integration with Email and Teams: Shared OneDrive links can be used within MS Teams chats, channels, or emails for quick communication about specific resources.  

Collaboration

- Real-Time Co-Authoring: Multiple students can work simultaneously on documents, spreadsheets, or presentations. Changes are saved automatically.

- Version History: OneDrive keeps track of file versions, allowing students to review previous drafts or restore earlier versions.

-Folder Sharing: Students can create shared folders for group projects, ensuring everyone has access to essential resources in one place.

- Integrated Apps: Tools like OneNote and Whiteboard can be linked to OneDrive, making it easy to share brainstorming notes or project plans.  

Presenting Information

- PowerPoint Integration: Students can save and access presentations on OneDrive and share links directly with their audience. Presenters can update slides without worrying about outdated versions being used.  

- Embed Options: Files from OneDrive can be embedded into learning platforms, blogs, or websites, enabling broader sharing of presentations or reports.  

- Offline Access: Files saved in OneDrive can be downloaded for offline use, ensuring uninterrupted presentations even in low-connectivity areas.

Canvas

Communication

- Inbox Messaging: Students can send and receive messages directly within Canvas.

- Announcements: Students can stay updated on important information shared by instructors.  

- Discussion Boards: Canvas supports threaded discussions, enabling students to participate in forum-style conversations.

- Video and Audio Messages: Students can record and share audio or video messages directly in discussions or assignments, adding a personal touch to communication.

Canvas

Communication

- Inbox Messaging: Students can send and receive messages directly within Canvas.

- Announcements: Students can stay updated on important information shared by instructors.  

- Discussion Boards: Canvas supports threaded discussions, enabling students to participate in forum-style conversations.

- Video and Audio Messages: Students can record and share audio or video messages directly in discussions or assignments, adding a personal touch to communication.

Collaboration

- Groups: Canvas allows students to form groups for collaborative projects. Each group gets a private space with tools like discussions, file sharing, and announcements.

- Collaborations: Integrated with Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace, students can co-edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations directly within Canvas.  

- Shared Resources: Students can upload and share files with their group or class via the Files area or group workspaces.

- Virtual Meetings: Canvas integrates with tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for real-time collaboration and meetings.  

Canvas

Communication

- Inbox Messaging: Students can send and receive messages directly within Canvas.

- Announcements: Students can stay updated on important information shared by instructors.  

- Discussion Boards: Canvas supports threaded discussions, enabling students to participate in forum-style conversations.

- Video and Audio Messages: Students can record and share audio or video messages directly in discussions or assignments, adding a personal touch to communication.

Collaboration

- Groups: Canvas allows students to form groups for collaborative projects. Each group gets a private space with tools like discussions, file sharing, and announcements.

- Collaborations: Integrated with Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace, students can co-edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations directly within Canvas.  

- Shared Resources: Students can upload and share files with their group or class via the Files area or group workspaces.

- Virtual Meetings: Canvas integrates with tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for real-time collaboration and meetings.  

Presenting Information

- Assignments and Submissions: Students can  submit presentations, essays, or other projects through Canvas Assignments. They can upload PowerPoint files, PDFs, or even links to online presentations.

- ePortfolios: Canvas ePortfolios allow students to showcase their work, including projects, research, or reflective journals, in a structured and shareable format.   

- Discussions with Multimedia: Students can use the Rich Content Editor to post multimedia presentations, such as embedded videos, slideshows, or interactive content, within discussions.  

Workbook Activity

Q8. Use technology to communicate, collaborate and present information online. (Pass criteria 4.1)

Explain the different online platforms you have used to engage with your tutors and your peers during this course.

a) Teams

b) OneDrive

c) Canvas

Improved Understanding

Active participation, such as engaging in discussions, completing interactive activities, and asking questions, helps students deepen their understanding of the material.  

Building Connections

Engaging with peers and instructors creates a sense of community, reducing isolation often associated with online learning.  

Skill Development

By actively participating, students develop transferable skills like communication, digital literacy, and self-management.  

Retention and Success

Active learners are more likely to stay motivated, meet deadlines, and achieve better outcomes.

Personalised Learning

Participating actively helps instructors identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to provide tailored support.  

Importance of Engagement in Online Learning

Benefits  of  Online Learning

Flexibility and Accessibility

Learn Anywhere, Anytime.

Inclusivity - Removes geographical barriers

Wide Range of Resources

Multimedia Content: Videos, podcasts, interactive quizzes, and readings cater to various learning styles.  

Encourages Independent Learning

Self-Paced Learning

Customised Paths - Use adaptive learning technologies to create personalised experiences.  

Collaboration Opportunities

Global Collaboration

Real-Time and Asynchronous -  Students can collaborate in real-time through video calls or asynchronously via discussion boards and shared documents.  

Enhanced Technological Proficiency

Students develop digital skills that are essential for modern academic and professional environments.  

Cost-Effectiveness

Reduced Expenses: Online learning often eliminates costs associated with commuting, accommodation, or physical materials.  

Workbook Activity

Q9. Identify the importance of engaging actively in online learning and describe the benefits of this style of learning. 

Activity

Q10. Use digital tools to manage own learning time and tasks.

Explain and provide evidence (screen prints or photos) of your use of digital tools.

(As evidence you can use your e-portfolio or your study plan as well as other digital tools you may have used, but you need to explain how you have used these to manage your own learning, time and make the evidence relevant to tasks you have carried out.

In this session:

A.C 4.1 - Use technology to communicate, collaborate and present information online.

A.C 4.2 - Engage actively in online learning and describe the benefits of this style of learning.

A.C 4.3 - Use digital tools to manage own learning time and tasks