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!