This website offers tips and tools for effective asynchronous online discussions. Asynchronous discussion forums present an opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom. They give students the space and structure to explore ideas, make connections, answer open-ended questions, critique, debate, and build productive learning communities. 

A note about technical procedures: Links to procedures for Canvas are included on this website, but every learning management system has a discussion forum with similar features.

Discussion Types

Introductions, large and small groups, open forums, peer review & critique, group projects & study groups and more...

Set-Up

Community guidelines, creating posts, teaching students how to post, grading expectations and more...

Management

Engagement, refocusing discussions and addressing disruptions