18. Avatars: Usefulness in Collaborative Online Learning Environments

Abstract

Digital technologies that enhance computer-mediated communications are provoking change in the way educators interact with learners. As online course offerings expand and enrollment numbers increase, the challenges of effective online learning call for innovation and creativity. It is beneficial to introduce activities which establish trust and engagement in online learning communities. This paper describes the positive effects of an avatar activity that engaged the authors and their peers during two graduate-level collaborative online classes.