NORTHEAST ISDElectronic

CollaborationThe use of Electronic Discussion Boards to

support instruction

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

Why Discussion Boards?

• Electronic discussion boards are now being used to promote a reading and writing connection

• They can also provide a natural language learning environment by promoting learners’ social interaction and creating an authentic discourse community.

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

What is CMC?

– Computer-based– Promote Reading/Writing

Literacy– Digital fluency – using

technology to become comfortable with language

Computer Mediated Communication

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

What a Discussion Board is…

– A place to support reading comprehension through writing

– Uninhibited student responses– For many users– Anytime/Anywhere learning– Collaboration

• Student to student• Student to teacher

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

What a Discussion Board is not…

– A chat room– A place to practice bad

habits in the use of the English language

– Informal text

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

Why use a Discussion Board?

– Potential for increased student:• Reading Comprehension• Reading and writing fluency• Interest• Engagement• Motivation

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

Why use a Discussion Board?

– Potential for increased student:• Autonomy• Social interaction related to

reading• Interest using hands-on

activities

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

When to Use

– Free Writing stations– Whole Class responses– Student self-selected

reading and responses– Home responses to

teacher directed prompts/activities

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

Cautions

– Use for NEISD instructional purposes only

– Mindful thought of Pedagogical Purpose

– Monitor content for appropriateness

– Encourage:• all student participation• meaningful participation• response to posts in a timely

fashion

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

Teacher Only Forum

• Password protected • Place to post issues, concerns or help

requests• Provide general

feedback/suggestions for improvement

• Provide student success examples

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

First Steps

– Be trained on use of Fusetalk Discussion Board (ITS)

– Schedule and Implement 1st lesson with ITS (observe lesson format/timeline)

– Teacher and specialist monitor forum daily

– End of session debriefs/feedback with students

North East Independent School DistrictA Tradition of Excellence

Thank You!

• We hope that this collaborative effort between the Educational Technology Department, School Improvement, and cooperating teachers will make this a success for students!