The document discusses discussion boards as an interactive instructional tool for online learning. It provides advice for instructors on how to effectively use discussion boards, including considering the learning objectives, assigning student roles, monitoring participation, designing clear prompts, and managing potential pitfalls like losing student interest or unfocused posts. The document recommends limiting forums and group sizes, as well as respecting students' and instructors' time.

1. Discussion Boards
Interactive Instructional Tool for Online Learning
Co!ege of Western Idaho
Thursday, July 7, 2011

2. Discussion
Boards
Is it the right tool?
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3. Discussion Boards
What do I want the
students to learn?
Is this content best learned
by a Discussion Board?
What specific role does
each student play?
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4. Discussion Boards
How does one
communicate the
assignment of roles?
To what degree will the
instructor demonstrate
presence?
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5. Advantages
Why use Discussion Boards?
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6. Advantages
empowers learners
facilitates deeper, more
developed discussions
allows for active
participation
allows shy students to
interact
allows for interaction
between and with content
creates greater depth of
learning and understanding
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7. Disadvantages
What’s the down side to Discussion
Boards?
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8. Disadvantages
requires students to make
periodic checks for new
information
possibility of fragmented
messages
non-relevant posts can
inhibit learning
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9. The
Instructor
How do I manage Discussion Boards?
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10. The Instructor
design a clear and concise
prompt
reminds students of online
netiquette
provide concise, timely, and
relevant summaries of posts
monitor all participation
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11. Management
How do I deal with pitfa!s?
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12. Management Pitfalls
students lose interest
postings are not focused
postings become a maze
postings become a barrier
to communication and
learning
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13. Management
Some advice.
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14. Management Advice
limit forums
limit number of students in
each group
respect students’ limited
time by making realistic
and relevant assignments
and timelines
respect instructor’s limited
time by not creating
busywork
Thursday, July 7, 2011