Online Discussion

Forums This presentation will cover the following:

1. Best Practices

2. Strategies

3. Management Tips

Online Discussion

Forums

Best Practices

Discussion forums are the most commonly used online tool in blended/hybrid and technology enhanced courses.

To create the most effective learning opportunities for students using this tool, there are some agreed upon best practices to follow.

References for the information in this presentation will be found at the end of the presentation.

Why use an online discussion forum?

1. Builds classroom community.

2. Allows time for in-depth reflection.

3. Facilitates learning as students reflect and respond to each other.

4. Develops thinking and writing skills with facilitation.

Online Discussion

Forums

Best Practices

1. Initially create a sense of community through an introduction forum.

2. Forums should support course objectives.

3. Encourage courteous discussion through netiquette.

4. Encourage critical thinking.

5. Assess discussion forum activities.

Create a sense of community by setting up an introduction forum. Here are some tips:

• This should occur in the first 2 weeks of your class.

• Make sure your expectations are clear within the forum instructions.

• Students should be directed to respond to their peers.

• Set the example with your own introduction and, for this type of forum, respond to each student.

• This is the type to gently reinforce general forum expectations/netiquette.

Online Discussion

Forums

Best Practices

1. Initially create a sense of community through an introduction forum.

2. Forums should support course objectives.

3. Encourage courteous discussion through netiquette.

4. Encourage critical thinking.

5. Assess discussion forum activities.

Forums should support course objectives. This can be accomplished through:

• Having students demonstrating key concepts.

• Having students synthesize learning experiences.

• Having students work together to solve problems or come to an agreement on a situation.

• Have students share projects and peer assess projects.

Online Discussion

Forums

Best Practices

1. Initially create a sense of community through an introduction forum.

2. Forums should support course objectives.

3. Encourage courteous discussion through netiquette.

4. Encourage critical thinking.

5. Assess discussion forum activities.

Encourage courteous discussion through netiquette. Here are some possible

inclusions:

• Follow standard rules of grammar and composition, not texting.

• Think and re-read before you post.• Support your statements with facts.• Show respect for other’s opinions

even if you don’t agree.• Stay on topic.• Offensive language will not be

tolerated.

Online Discussion

Forums

Best Practices

1. Initially create a sense of community through an introduction forum.

2. Forums should support course objectives.

3. Encourage courteous discussion through netiquette.

4. Encourage critical thinking.

5. Assess discussion forum activities.

Encourage critical thinking by using some of the following question types.

Exploratory: Probe facts/basic knowledge.

Challenge: Question assumptions.

Relational: Ask for comparison of themes.

Cause & effect: Ask for causal relationships.

Summary: Expect a synthesis of study.

Online Discussion

Forums

Best Practices

1. Initially create a sense of community through an introduction forum.

2. Forums should support course objectives.

3. Encourage courteous discussion through netiquette.

4. Encourage critical thinking.

5. Assess discussion forum activities.

Assess discussion forum activities. Assessment should match learning

objectives and should be known prior to students participating in a forum. Here are some examples:

• Discussion forum rubric• Checklist• Having student’s self-assess• Having student’s peer-assess

Online Discussion

Forums

Here are some possible discussion forum strategies:

Role play: Have students use role play to investigate an issue from another perspective.

What’s in the news: Use local, national, and worldwide current events to promote discussion.

Virtual Fieldtrips: Virtual fieldtrips provide opportunities for students to visit places you won’t be able to physically take them. This can promote robust discussion and connection.

Online Video: Use video to level the knowledge base of your students before a discussion begins.

Strategies

Now that you have an idea as to some of the most effective ways to use discussion forums in your course, here are some strategies for creating discussion forums.

Online Discussion

Forums

Discussion Forum Management Tips:

• Monitor the flow and tone of the discussion.• Facilitate deeper discussion.• Set a deadline for feedback and for assessment and stick to it.• Set aside a consistent day and time to dedicate to your forums.• If corrective action is needed, do it sooner rather than later. • Develop a consistent grading assessment students can use regularly.• Celebrate thoughtful student posts and responses.

Management

It is imperative you manage a discussion forum in a consistent and timely manner for it to be an effective learning tool.

Online Discussion

Forums

References

Discussion Board Netiquette: http://research.udmercy.edu/help/knowledge/page.php?id=11

Online Discussions for Blended Learning: http://www.csus.edu/webct/faculty/discussion-board-best-practices.pdf

Mastering Online Discussion Board Facilitation: http://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/stw/edutopia-onlinelearning-mastering-online-discussion-board-facilitation.pdf

Forum Best Practices: http://www.visioncritical.com/sites/default/files/pdf/2012_02_VC_Discussions_WhitePaper_Forums.pdf

Presentation compiled by Leslie Lott