Discussions

Shared Google Documents

Students can have a small group discussion through a shared google doc. Students write down their own ideas, highlight and build on others ideas, and add comments to ask questions and make connections.

• Have your students use names when responding to something. This not only helps us understand the ideas you are building on but it builds pride in the person you are referring to.

• Use annotation strategies to with students for indicating types to identify responses or changes in topic. For example, "italicizing disagreement, bolding a new argument, or using a particular color for each topic can draw attention to those moments and invite responses."

• Utilize student created or widely utilized symbols to create connections.

Learn more about using Use comments & action items

Learn more about Discussions in Google Docs

Canvas Discussions or Google Classroom Questions

• Students can have a rich discussion utilizing the tools included in their LMS. Canvas Discussions, Google Classroom Questions, or Edublogs. Each of these tools allow students to share their detailed thoughts in writing and use comments and replies to build upon one another's ideas.

• I often have students work in rounds. During Round One students write their own ideas. During Round Two students reply to one another making connections, sharing new information, and helping each other see the big ideas. During Round Three students synthesize the information to develop a common understanding.

Learn more about Canvas Discussions

Learn more about Google Classroom Questions.

Learn More about Edublogs

Social Annotation to Engage and Discuss

Students can annotate a document on Actively Learn or Kami to highlight sentences, circle words and define them, make connections and ask questions. These annotations can be shared with the teacher or with the whole class as part of a discussion.

Read more at Strategic Annotation: Thinking like an Expert Reader

Use Images and Videos to Have a Discussion

• Images and videos are a quick and easy way to have students engage in interactive discussions.

Use Voicethread, Flipgrid, and Padlets.