Missing in Action

Elvina's Summary of our discussion in Missing in Action Thread.

There are some reflections about the exercise:

• Sometimes it's better not to rush.
• Participants need reading time and might greatly benefit to being exposed to role models.
• Peers´posts become a reference for the RoP. 
• A set criteria will help the participant know what is expected from him/her.

What do participants appreciate in a message at this stage of the course?

• A non-lecturing inviting,  friendly, considerate, open, supportive, encouraging tone.
• Some pointers on what is to be expected as for participation, online time, tasks to do, for instance. 
• Sometimes the use of emoticons can help convey emotions and “see” people.
• that useful information is included your message (like the name of the course, important dates, a reference to what the CP should do).
• Make the message  self-explaining,  but try to be brief!
• Use an adequate register that meets the cultural background of your participants. In global courses, we would need to come to a compromise, so build an agreed netiquette.
• Do not take for granted that the reason for not showing up is related to technical issues. Ask!
• However, be prepared to provide basic instructions to help the participant with log in issues. Common problems are related to passwords not working.

Marie's Summary of our ideas about the differences between moderating local and global courses.

In terms of differences between managing a local e-learning course and an e-learning course with participants from other countries, we have focused mainly on:

• intercultural aspects of communication
• use of humour
• need for common “rules“ of communication
• language competence.

While we have agreed that cultural background pre-determinesour expectationsand ways of expression, we also acknowledged that similar differences might be found amongst participants coming from the same country as their personality plays an important role.

There was a general consent that in order to preventas many misunderstandings or unpleasant feelings, it is vital to establish clearly articulated common rules of communication („netiquette“) for the course. Since we are probably never be able to prevent all misunderstanding, it seems importantto keep communicating, asking and explaining, before we give in to negative feelings (be they disappointment, feeling excluded o ranger). Our colleagues from Vietnam gave a very good example of this strategy in their discussion on the correct way of address women in Vietnamese 

We also agreed that while humorcan spice upthe discussions, it doesn’t always have to come across in writing ;)

Thinking from the perspective of the e-moderator, s/he might like to:

• establish the rules of communication
• set tasks taking into consideration possible differences (be they cultural or personal)
• make sure that rules are not trespassed
• set a positive example in communication (just as Elvina is doing for us).