Discussion on Reflection spot question asked by Gargi Ma'am

[Esa Bose]

As Gargi ma'am asked us to reflect upon the point that is the question " Introduce yourself, state your name, domain and where you come from?" a good question? My answer is yes, it is indeed a very good question. From the Course team perspective, the information gathered from such a question can give the team a fair idea about the diversity of the learners which helps them to orchestrate the course in a better way.

On the other hand when a learner is given a chance to speak about him/herself it gives a confidence boost and motivation as it shows the learner has been given importance by the course team.

[gargi...@gmail.com]

Hi Esha,

It's a good question from the perspective you have stated. The course team gets to know the learner diversity. This can also be done through pre-course demographic survey.

Now, think from learner's perspective. If we leave the focus question only at introducing oneself, then 2 things happen in a MOOC. 1) Many people choose not to introduce themselves to virtual strangers & stay away. 2) Peer discussion does not start. What will I go & comment on your introduction post. So the forum gets a bunch of orphaned posts without any interaction.

[Esa Bose]

Hello Ma'am,

I have understood your point now. So will it be  better to say here that such questions are good for pre-course survey or may be in the initial stage of the course, but it does not ensure a two way interaction. Thank you for clearing my idea on this ma'am.

[gargi...@gmail.com]

These questions should definitely be asked in the pre-course survey. Also, needs to be posted in Week 1 of the course as ice-breaker If response is lukewarm, it is advisable for the instructor to post his introduction & response to focus question.