This document discusses using online discussions in teaching. It begins by outlining the roles of the facilitator and describing models for participation and assessment. Some key benefits mentioned are using discussions to encourage critical thinking and to fit with blended learning strategies. The document also describes the instructor's role as a "guide on the side" who monitors discussions and helps steer them, as well as tips for building effective discussions and addressing challenges.
2. • List reasons for using online discussions
• Explain the various roles of the facilitator
• Describe different models for participation
and assessment
• Identify opportunities for using discussions in
one’s own teaching
Outcomes
7. Critical thinking is a
common objective of
various disciplines and a
goal that most faculty can
aspire to.
MacKnight, C. (2000)Teaching Critical
Thinking through Online Discussions
10. Every course offered by Lethbridge
College will contain a blended
learning component.
(Lethbridge College Roadmap to the Future - 2010)
Fits DL Strategy
15. When questioning, problem-
solving and investigation become
the priority classroom activities,
the teacher becomes a
“Guide on the Side”
• Mackenzie, J.(2010). The Wired Classroom
16. Guide on the Side
• Monitors Discussions but does not
necessarily respond to every posting
• “Hovers”
– directs discussions when they get off track
– helps steer directions that will meet course
outcomes
19. Discussion Tips
Lay out specific directions and
expectations
Make it meaningful and purposeful
•Give clear guidelines on expectations
(minimum and maximum length)
•Identify minimum number of times
expected to participate
• Establish clear marking rubrics or
guidelines for assessment
• Why would I want to participate?
• What can I learn from others?
• What can I share with others to
enhance their understanding?
20. Build Independence
• Teach students how to participate
• Begin slowly
– simple introductions with some focused
questions;
– move to more difficult levels of participation
– Consider grouped discussions for larger classes
• Reduce role of facilitator
– Gradually “fade” supports while giving more
control to students
Complete online survey – “Teaching with online discussions in ANGEL”
Put into Elluminate
You may have heard many terms associated with Online Discussions – such as the following:
Forums
- Discussion Boards
- Bulletin Boards
- Message Boards
- Threaded Discussions
- Discussion Forums
- Online Forums
Chat Rooms
And more…
The Angel Instructor Course describes Discussions in this way:
Discussions are the “heart” of an online course – as they enable interaction amongst students (Yellow highlighting)
As you see on the right, a discussion is a tool for students to stay connected through each other electronically
The green arrow also highlights the idea that Discussion Forums are used in a variety of ways
Informaal meeting room
Way to answer students’ questions in an forum easily accessible to all students
A way to encourage critical reflection on concepts
Benefits of Discussion – Encourages Critical Thinking
- Most of us want to encourage critical thinking form our students. A discussion forum is an excellent way to do so
http://www.atimod.com/e-moderating/fivestepflash.htm Gilly Salmon’s 5 stage model – interactive model
As per Bloom’s Taxonomy - Use discussions to move thinking to a higher level
Discussions can be a way to ask questions that encourage this type of thinking – you can either pose the questions yourself, or encourage students to create questions to ask others
Example – you can build case studies and have students discussion possible solutions by applying knowledge – or have them create scenarios
Build case studies
As this diagram says – discussions are toois that can encourage students to:
Apply concepts to practical situations
Practice skills BEFORE being tested on them
Connect ideas to their own prior knowledge – build connections to new ideas
Establish a community of learning – decrease sense of isolation
Help you gauge student success –”are they “getting it?”
Overall – helps you expand classroom experiences
Finally – all these activities help increase student engagement
“LOL’ – And – according to the new DL Strategy – using discussions helps you move toward reaching the goal of including a blended learning component
Our DL strategy indicates our learners expect engagement and expect alternatives to classroom experiences. Online discussions are one method of doing so!
When to Use Discussions:
There are a range of times / places to use discussions:
You can use Discussions in a variety of formats: (Range of Opportunities)
Some of our fully online courses use discussion minimally – near the beginning of the course to allow students to get to know each other, pose questions about the course, and seek clarification on the goals / expectations of the course; then 2nd discussion – about 2/3 – ¾ way through the course – as a time to reflect on what they have learned thus far, address any outstanding questions before heading toward the final assignment / exam; or to apply concepts to new situations (application of case studies)
= Other end – open-ended discussions board; allow students to post at will; no assessment value – used totally as a way for students to ask each other questions, apply to own learning, share ideas etc. (A “Learning Café” model)
- Or – rely heavily on discussions – ENG 095/ Eng 150 -
What is your role in Discussions? One of the challenges will be in understanding the new role you can take
Will you be
“Sage on the Stage” or a “guide on the Side?
Research suggests discussions are more effective when you act as a facilitator of learning – a Guide on the Side.
Be clear about the expectations of “how to participate” . Lay out the Netiquitte ahead of time.
OR – have students develop a “netiquitte” as their first discussion posting. Have them suggest the acceptable tone, and style of their discussion board. That gives them the control over the feel of their discussions, and gives them some ownership in the experience.
Here are two sources for information on Netiquitte
Avoid “Death by Discussion” – Especially in large classes – with several students posting –
Keep your role manageable – you, nor the students, can respond to every posting.
Set limits –
If needed – establish groups – break them into smaller groups and “monitor” discussions amongst the groups
What do you want to do with discussions?
Examples are available online in ANGEL course
Set up time to meet with Instructional Designers if desired
- We will add more resources to ANGEL course throughout the year….
Check with the dicsussion board – to see if others have responded!
Learning through face-to-face and online discussions: Associations between students' conceptions, approaches and academic performance in political science. http://library.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca:2051/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=49159756&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Does the discussion help? The impact of a formally assessed online discussion on final student results. http://library.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca:2051/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=33902992&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Evaluating the use of synchronous communication in two blended courses. http://library.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca:2051/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=13436611&site=ehost-live&scope=site
References
Love, K., & Isles, M. (2006). 'Welcome to the online discussion group': Towards a diagnostic framework for teachers. Australian Journal of Language & Literacy, 29(3), 210-225. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
'Welcome to the online discussion group': Towards a diagnostic framework for teachers. http://library.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca:2051/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=22317450&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3xo1RipS-c
