It’s probably pretty common for students to feel a bit uncomfortable at the start of a web based course, not least feeling worried about potentially sharing your private life and not wanting to look stupid. So what does this discomfort comprise of and how can you lessen the discomfort?

I’d like to share with you a mind-map that I created within my PBL group on the Open Networked Learning (https://www.opennetworkedlearning.se/) course that I attended 2020. I hope it goes some way to answering the questions above! https://coggle.it/diagram/X3bZ3wMZ8ngaQZQh/t/comfort-with-one’s-online-presence-in-learning-environment

The biggest take-away for me from doing the exercise was realising the importance of building trust and connectedness. So, early on in a course it’s important to develop so called swift trust to lessen feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty and promote risk taking and positive expectations. Early communication, a positive social atmosphere, team tasks and structured activities are all examples of trust building strategies. In addition, the use of digital tools (including blogs!) can help build community and connectedness