elearning wmu how to get discussion board topics to line up with course content

by Dr. Casandra Trantow 10 min read

Why use discussion boards in online courses?

In an online course, discussion boards provide that same visible, interactive space for students to interact academically and socially with their peers. Asynchronous, online discussions where students can process the material, interact with each other, and form a collaborative community are key to successful online teaching.

How to get students to join in class discussions?

Getting students to join in class discussions is difficult enough. It can be even more trying to encourage discussion online – outside of the actual classroom. That’s why e-learning usually lacks interaction, engagement and motivation. But this can be changed with some modifications and with the help of useful tools for online discussion board.

How do you write a discussion board for a class?

When first beginning a discussion board, students should offer a brief introduction including some appropriate background information. They should also answer any questions the instructor has asked. When it comes to formatting, students should keep it as simple as possible by avoiding fonts that are difficult to read.

What are the benefits of online discussions?

The takeaway: Online discussions are a great way to think deeply about content by sharing ideas with classmates. In a post-first discussion, students can offer opinions free from the influence of classmates. Be bold, state and defend what you think, and you will enhance your learning experience.

Why do students prefer online discussion?

In fact, many students even prefer online discussion to in-person discussion, most likely due to the chance to communicate more freely.

How do students communicate in real time?

In turn, students can communicate in real time with each other, their instructor and presenter by chatting. Here are WebEx’s capabilities: Connect with the user’s chosen device or call in via their tool-installed phone. Record discussion audio and video (for later use, the download option is available)

What is WebEx for?

WebEx. WebEx is a free tool for video, multi-featured phones, and web conferencing. It’s suitable for students, faculties, and staffs due to its integrated chat function. Much similar to Google Hangouts, Adobe Connect, or Skype, users of WebEx can host and join in audio and video meetings, presentations, and conferences.

Is it difficult to get students to join discussions?

Getting students to join in class discussions is difficult enough. It can be even more trying to encourage discussion online – outside of the actual classroom. That’s why e-learning usually lacks interaction, engagement and motivation. But this can be changed with some modifications and with the help of useful tools for online discussion board.

Is Chalkup a good LMS?

In addition to discussions, the platform is great for grading and online assignments. Chalkup should be an ideal choice for any teacher who happens to be searching for an LMS for their class.

Can Canvas discussions be open to anyone?

Class discussions can be limited to small groups or can be “open for anyone” for the whole course. Canvas Discussions offers an integrated structure for class discussions, enabling both teachers and pupils to begin and contribute to the discussion topics as many times and information as they wish.

What is the most important part of an online course?

Discussion boards are arguably the most important part of the online course. In a traditional f2f classroom, students see each other and interact in the physical classroom space. In an online course, discussion boards provide that same visible, interactive space for students to interact academically and socially with their peers.

Why do students share their notes?

First, for students who have holes in their notes or need to review certain concepts in more depth, collaborative note taking provides a central location for that sort of review. Importantly, it keeps the notes in full view of the instructor who can also keep track of discussion and look out for misunderstandings or missing information. The second main benefit is accessibility. Some students may face obstacles in note taking. The Student Access Office may even assign that student a designated note taker to facilitate note sharing. When faculty include collaborative note taking in the discussion boards, that barrier to student access is removed completely making the course more accessible to all.

What is CAT in online teaching?

After students review asynchronous content and/or attend a synchronous class session, a quick Classroom Assessment Technique (CAT) can provide both students and instructor with information about how learning is happening.

Why discussion forums are helpful in training

A discussion forums enables instructor-to-student and student-to-student interaction and is the heart of online training because learners from different locations can easily interact and learn from each other. Benefits of the discussion forum in training.

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Why Discussion Forums Are Helpful In Training

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Why is online discussion important?

The takeaway: Online discussions are a great way to think deeply about content by sharing ideas with classmates.

Why do faculty assign discussion board questions?

Online faculty assign discussion board questions because there is an overwhelming amount of research saying students deeply learn and grow through frequent conversations and debates on salient academic topics. Researchers say the online forum promotes deeper engagement with subject matter and gives a voice to those feeling stigmatized. [.

What can students scan for in a physical classroom discussion?

In a physical classroom discussion, before students answer a question asked by the professor, they can scan for subtle nonverbal reactions of classmates. They can also wait to hear the opinions of the students who are confident enough in their own convictions to speak first.

Why do we need online discussion boards?

However, depending on the course, online discussion boards may also be required in traditional and hybrid classes in order to increase student engagement.

What is a discussion board?

What are discussion boards for online courses? Discussion boards for online classes give students the opportunity to talk about course topics with each other, and with the instructor, as they would if they were in a traditional classroom. This helps students absorb the class material and share ideas.

How to keep a student's formatting simple?

When it comes to formatting, students should keep it as simple as possible by avoiding fonts that are difficult to read. This ensures that everyone can easily read the points being made and keep the discussion flowing. Post with Clarity. “Express yourself as clearly as possible.

What are some mistakes that students should know about in order to avoid them?

The following are some mistakes that students should know about in order to avoid them. Not being thorough. “Many students simply do not address the writing prompt thoroughly in their post. Sometimes a prompt will require that a student addresses two to three points, but students don’t do that,” said Adcock.

What is an e-learning survival guide?

E-Learning Survival Guide#N#This guide provides an overview of what the e-learning experience is like. Includes details about the types of institutions that offer e-learning opportunities, the benefits of e-learning, financial aid options, the technology students use to take courses, and e-learning delivery methods. Also provides the perspective of an e-learning expert and a quiz to determine if e-learning is the right choice.

Why do students have discussions in class?

Also, students have the opportunity to practice their communication skills, connect with their peers, get used to using proof to bolster their arguments , and sharpen critical thinking abilities.

Is an online discussion board appropriate?

Getting too personal. Although some of the topics covered in a class may remind students of personal experiences, an online discussion board is not the appropriate forum to discuss their problems or ask for advice on issues not related to the course.

Provide clear expectations for length, citations and formatting requirements

I like to keep my forums conversational. So, I don’t require students to format their posts to any specific academic format.

Interact on the discussion board

It’s important that you, as the instructor, stay involved in the discussions. It can be hard to respond to every student or have a unique reply to each posting. This is especially true if students are replying to a specific prompt.