Generating and Facilitating Engaging and Effective Online Discussions via TEP at University of Oregon
Online Communication using Discussion Boards by Ros O’Leary, The Economics Network, University of Bristol (PDF). While this is part of a handbook for British Economics Lecturers, there are many ideas and tips that can be adapted
To Facilitate or to Teach by Leigh Blackall This is not only an excellent blog post on the subject, there are also helpful tips to be found in the comment section
Extending the Classroom into Cyberspace: The Discussion Board by J. Suler
Discussions by the Eberly Center at Carnegie Mellon University
Discussion Board Rubrics via iRubric. Using rubrics can not only make it easier for students to know how you expect them to use the discussion board, but it will also make it easier for you to grade their posts.
McTighe, Jay, and Tony Frontier. “How to Provide Better Feedback through Rubrics.” ASCD.