Peer support during Induction Week activities can be extremely helpful for inexperienced online or TEL learners, to help them become more comfortable and acclimated to the environment. The tricky part is getting the experienced learners to participate in the Week Zero activities, to assist and help with the noobs. Not only can the experienced learners assist with technology issues, but also give tips and guidelines on how to manage the different aspects of the course, maybe previous experiences with the instructor, etc. It takes the readiness evaluations we looked at earlier in ocTEL and applies them. Here is the dry run, the dress rehearsal, for the learners to get used to the course mechanics and get their feet wet. They don’t have to waste instructional time learning how to use the tools, they can do it during the Induction Week.
I’m a big fan of Induction Weeks / Week Zeros, and encourage their use to instructors, and encourage participation among all levels of learners.
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