FRONT STAGE - BACKSTAGE ONLINE - BACKSTAGE OFFLINE
When we imagine a student across all three theatre stages we recognise how learning occurs across multiple contexts. We can also use the theatre stages to show how students move their learning experiences between multiple contexts.
In general, the theatre stages in online learning are:
Front stage online: The space where an online student gives a performance. This space can be “seen” by the university, for example the online discussion board, and student activity logs.
Backstage online: A space where an online student prepares for a performance using the internet but cannot be seen by the university. For example this can include websites, Facebook, and email.
Backstage offline: A space where an online student prepares for a performance without internet connection. For example this can include a Word document, face-to-face conversations with family, friends, colleagues or clients, and self-talk.
MAPPING A STUDENT'S EXPERIENCE ACROSS THE THEATRE STAGES
Mapping a student's identity across the three theatre stages is useful for understanding the whole student's experience in an online subject.
Mapping the students' experiences also illustrates how students are oriented to one particular theatre stage to the others. I refer to this as a student's stage orientation.
A student's stage orientation is a preference about where students prefer to perform their subject-related tasks. Students become orientated towards one theatre stage over another based on their personal circumstances and preferences, which are often informed by perceptions of familiarity, comfort, and convenience.
Find out what stage orientation the cast of online students are then use this knowledge to design your learning activities!
Download the tool below to see how I mapped Ingrid, Joanne, and Kathy's stage orientation.