E-tivity
Definition
The term E-tivity was coined by S. Gilly of Open University (England). It means "task online"; it is a framework to learn a language in a dynamic and iteractive way. This activity is based on intense interaction and reflective dialogue between a number of participants, such as learners / students and teachers, who work in a computer-mediated environment. E-tivities are text-based and led by an e-moderator (usually a teacher).
Structure
Target: basically, e-tivities are aimed at making participants (usually learners/students) cooperate to learn how to use computers and the Internet.
Task: the moderator asks participants to do an activity online. In doing the activity, participants have to complete a task (for example, explore a website, understand how it is organised, identify its contents and then comment on it) and try to solve any problem by themselves.
Timeline: the moderator, who orchestrates the whole process, gives participants a deadline to do the activity. This timeline is useful to organize work and make sure that all participants will complete it in an equal term. The timeline should give participants a little time to complete the "respond" part before the assignment of the following e-tivity.
Respond: participants are invited to read other participants' e-tivities and comment on them whenever they have something interesting to add or disagree with some observation: constructive criticism is a key aspect of online activities. This last part plays an important part in the overall process for it fosters collaboration between participants. It is quite helpful for everyone as it gives each of the participants the possibility to improve their work method quality.
- See E-moderation five-stage model
- See activity
- See Bloggingenglish to look at a few examples of e-tivities
References
- Salmon, Gilly (2002), "E-tivities. The Key to Active Online Learning", London: Tayler & Francis. ISBN 0749436867
- See also the review at elearning.surf.nl