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Slides used in workshop on effective threaded discussions
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Effective Use of Effective Use of Threaded Discussions Threaded Discussions
for for Online or Hybrid ClassesOnline or Hybrid Classes
Britt Watwood
Why “Discuss”?
CriticalCriticalThinkingThinking
ReflectiveReflective
SocialSocialCapitalCapital
InteractiveInteractive
FormativeFormativeAssessmentAssessment
DiscussionDiscussion
What Is A Threaded Discussion?
• Collection of Individuals• Connected via Bb• Topic Based• Grouping of Messages• Hierarchical“…a series of related conversations…”
Blackboard Discussion Boards
What Does a What Does a ““Good”Good”
F 2 FF 2 FClassroom Classroom DiscussionDiscussion
Look Like???Look Like???
Does a Does a ““Good”Good”Online Online
DiscussionDiscussionLook Look
Different???Different???
AudienceAudience• Digital LiteracyDigital Literacy
– Digital Natives Digital Natives – Digital ImmigrantsDigital Immigrants
• Learner ConfidenceLearner Confidence– UndergraduateUndergraduate– GraduateGraduate
• Learner MaturityLearner Maturity• Degree of EngagementDegree of Engagement
Advantages of Asynchronous Discussions
• Time and Space FlexibilityTime and Space Flexibility
• Student InteractionStudent Interaction
• ReflectiveReflective
• Overview of Conversation as Well as SpecificsOverview of Conversation as Well as Specifics
• Permanent RecordPermanent Record
• Assumption of Assumption of Sophisticated LearnerSophisticated Learner
• Absence of Body LanguageAbsence of Body Language• Fragmented DiscussionFragmented Discussion• Linear PostingsLinear Postings• Late Contributions Not Late Contributions Not
DevelopedDeveloped• Time ConsumingTime Consuming• Can Be ConfrontationalCan Be Confrontational• Lack of SpontaneityLack of Spontaneity
Disadvantages of Asynchronous Discussions
Chickering’s Seven Good PracticesF2F Emai
lLive Chat
Online
Quiz
Online Discussion
Student – Faculty Contact X X XStudent–Student Collaboration X X XActive Learning X X X XPrompt Feedback X X X XTime on Task X XHigh Expectations X X XDiverse Talents X
How DoesHow DoesOneOne
PromotePromoteThe UseThe Use
Of ThreadedOf ThreadedDiscussions???Discussions???
How Does One Promote Use?
• Required– Part of Learning– Expectations– Rubric
• Graded– Rubric
• Relevant– Keyed to Lessons
• Teacher Presence
Five Roles I Play…(Scot Headley)
• Space PlannerSpace Planner• PacesetterPacesetter• HostHost• ConnectorConnector• MirrorMirror
Tips for Fostering Discussions
Tips for Fostering Discussions
• Good Topics• Narrow Topics• Organized Topics• Keyed to Rest of Class
Activities• Established Schedule• Facilitated• Build on Differences Also
……The Right The Right Question…Question…
“In a constructivist learning environment, the instructor always needs to keep in mind that when facilitating online discussion, asking the right questionsquestions is almost always more important than giving the right answersanswers.” Berge and Muilenburg (2002)
Policy and Rules
•Syllabus
•Style
•Netiquette
Not Just Instruction…
• Forums for:
– Faculty Office– Student Lounge– Club Activities– Current Events
Guest Speakers
Disruptive
Discussers
Alternative Formats
• Wimba Voice Board
• Live Classroom
Our Website: http://www.vcu.edu/cte
Next Steps?