Using discussion forums to create a community of learners Winterim Hybrid Course Redesign Workshop

1
Using discussion forums to create a community of
learners Winterim Hybrid Course Redesign
Workshop
Alan Aycock, Ph.D. Learning Technology
Center University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
2
Modes of Online Communication

• Synchronous
• Text-only chats within D2L
• Synchronous tools with audio/video capability,
  e.g., Macromedia Breeze Live
• Instant messenger/VOIP, e.g., AOL, Yahoo, ICQ,
  Skype
• Asynchronous
• Journaling, blogging, and wikis
• Email
• one-to-one email
• one-to-many class reflectors (e.g., D2L or
  Pantherlist)
• Discussion forums

3
Advantages of typical online modes of
communication

• Ease of use
• Convenience
• Status leveling
• Accountability
• Documentation of learning

4
Contrasting two popular modes of online
communication

• Email
• Private
• Slightly harder to manage
• Difficult to review and build on whats been said
• Discussion Forums
• Public
• Continuous, accessible record
• Organized by threads

5
Example Anthropology of Religion

• 20-25 students
• G/UG
• Integrating face-to-face and online learning
  communities was central to the course objectives

6
Range of pedagogical uses of discussion forums

• Applications
• Reflection higher-order analysis
• Debate/argument
• Resources
• Self-disclosure

7
Helping your students use discussion forums

• Learning how to post
• Making it a routine
• Different forum sizes and types
• Establishing instructors voice/presence
• Time management online

8
Asking good questions

• Netiquette
• (In)formalities
• Process
• Scope
• Framing question response
• Assessment

9
Online resources

• Taking discussion online (Dartmouth)
• Moderating and facilitating online discussions
  (Sonoma State)
• Tips and strategies for facilitating online
  discussions (Canadian)