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: e-tivities are structured with the aim of making participants (usually learners/students) cooperate and 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 (as for example, explore a certain site, understand how it works and what are its contents and then comment on it) and try to solve any problem that may arise by themselves.

Timeline: the moderator gives to participants a deadline to do their work. This timeline is useful to organize the work and make sure that all participants will do it in short time. The timeline should let participants a little time to complete the "respond" part before the next e-tivity.

Respond

• 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
    • Have a look at http://www.umuc.edu/distance/odell/cvu/brownbag/salmon/ppt/sld011.htm