Using Asynchronous Online Discussion for Student Learning

1
Using Asynchronous Online Discussion for Student
Learning

• Susan Pinkerton
• Library Science Program
• Doña Ana Branch Community College

2
Overview

• Why its effective
• Getting started
• The student view
• Faculty survival

3

• Synchronous
• Vs.
• Asynchronous

4
Why I like asynchronous

• Formative assessment
• Reading students minds
• Can hear all voices
• Thoughtful and reflective answers
• Improves writing skills
• Can follow multiple threads
• Can review whats been said
• Dialogue helps learning
• Promotes critical thinking

5
How do you start?

• Planning is Everything
• Clear Instructions / Modeling
• Ground Rules
• Clear Expectations

6
Create Community

• Get to know students
• Involve students
• Space for students
• Model behaviors and respect
• Be available
• Give support and reassurance
• On-going assessment

7
Types of Assignments

• Anything that encourages discussion and
  participation
• Questions for discussion
• Student facilitators
• Group work
• Journals
• Posting of assignments
• Other

8
How to Encourage Participation

• Make it part of the grade
• Give clear expectations, examples
• Model behavior
• Be supportive
• Encourage student experiences
• Set deadlines
• Give timely feedback

9
The Student Perspective

• Convenient
• Flexible
• Levels the playing field
• More willing to share and ask questions
• Learn from peers

10
Students Want

• Clear instructions
• Reassurance
• Reasonable workload
• Prompt feedback
• Support

11
Your Role in Discussions

• Make presence felt, but do not dominate
• Allow time for students to respond to each other
  before commenting
• Enter discussion if directly asked a question
• Keep students on the topic if they drift off
• Stop any inappropriate postings
• Promote critical thinking
• Keep it going
• Be flexible
• Sum up, synthesize
• Constantly assess student learning

12
Faculty Survival

• Manage student expectations, and your own
• Time management
• Message management

13
Review

• Plan appropriate assignments
• Give clear instructions and expectations
• Assess and respond

14
Comments?

• THANK YOU!

15
Contact Information

• Susan Pinkerton
• Library Science Program
• Doña Ana Branch Community College
• MSC 3DA, P.O. Box 30001
• Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8001
• 505-527-7567
• spinkert_at_nmsu.edu