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?