Let's get started!

The WHY

Reasons to consider using online discussions:

• Because comments are more permanent, students tend to think a bit more critically about what they say.

• Recognize the feelings and perspectives of others (NYS Social Emotional Benchmark Goal 2a)

• Recognize individual and group similarities and differences (NYS Social Emotional Benchmark Goal 2b)

• Use communication and social skills to interact effectively with others (NYS Social Emotional Benchmark Goal 2c)

• Online discussions can be less intimidating for more introverted students than speaking in front of the class.

• It's easier for students to share dissenting opinions or "outside-the-box" ideas.

• Students have time to flesh out their response and clarify and nuance ideas.

• Everyone has opportunities to be heard and connect with other classmates, ensuring equity among all voices in your classroom.

Questioning Techniques

Please make copies of the techniques in this folder. They are color coded for printing purposes

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nLE68E6fIg_bXtRsxuEkFFbG-MCGTwCl?usp=sharing

Project Zero's Thinking Routines

https://pz.harvard.edu/thinking-routines

BLOOMS Question Stems

https://tophat.com/blog/blooms-taxonomy-question-stems/

Webb's Depth of Knowledge Wheel

https://www.windham-schools.org/docs/DOK%20Wheel%20Slide%20for%20Teachers-0.pdf

How to embed Digital Citizenship in Online Discussions

The following bullet points should be shared prior to a discussion or added to the discussion question itself

• Empathy for others should be practiced with an understanding of an individual’s writing before commenting

• Use complete sentences

• Proper peer critique should be emphasized with an emphasis on caring (example… do not be critical, instead use I wonder statements)

• Give credit to other's ideas-use citations

• There should be no bullying or put downs