Engagement in Online Discussions

The online and in-person forums interact differently, which is essential to help university students to build a community of inquiry where students to expand their learning and have discourse about the course material. This supports students to learn through the exchange of ideas and peer education. Online forums would host real-time or delayed mode communication, students could use different strategies to participate in the communication (Hrastinski et al., 2010).

Discussion Forum:

Howard (2019) states that effective conversations demand careful planning and knowledge of the social, emotional, and intellectual aspects. The instructor should clearly establish the expectation for virtual discussions. Do you want students to raise their hands when called upon to participate? If not, should they introduce themselves before speaking if possible? Virtual talks can run considerably more easily if just a few simple expectations are set, including self-muting. Teachers must call on students thoughtfully to promote a more diverse dialogue. Instructors can use small groups and breakout rooms for collaborative learning. Students get involved in active collaborative learning by integration online tools into course design. For instance, using flip classroom model for prior knowledge and open discussion, initiating dialogue using Twitter and Instagram and building professional networking through LinkedIn (Howard, 2019).

• In the Discussing Forum, the format that follows the orientation instruction would help students easy to navigate the online material and schedule.

• Students should have flexibility to process complex issues and deepen the analysis.

• Students who are requiring support must feel that they are able to email their TA or instructor. This is to say that their is a level of approachability to supports.

• Students have opportunity to introduce themselves to the class by posting brief instruction.

• Create an effective meta-discourse by knowledge creation (Ragupathi, 2018., p. 2)

  • Sharing ideas and learning processes.

  • Use discussion board to collecting ideas and develop ideas to improve the thinking.

  • Use the developed ideas to challenge own thinking to achieve more complete understanding.

Video conferencing:

Since the advent of digital classrooms, obtaining sufficient student involvement has become more difficult than ever. With the help of video conferencing, teachers may maintain a sense of the classroom while getting the face-to-face time that many online learning programmes frequently lack. It can also help to foster a feeling of community because video conferencing software allows the students to speak to the rest of the class in distanced learning. Video conferencing can boost interaction and engagement among students. The best way to keep distracted students focused during video conferences is to utilize the appropriate video conferencing software and the right equipments like controlled microphone, webcam settings and record and share screens. Clear and practical instructions on how to function in the conferencing space also promote student engagement.

• Unlike discussion forum, video conferencing require personal participation.

• Students need motivate and committed to a quick response.

• Joining the Live Chat interaction with the instructor and other students.

References:

Gedak, L., & Ryan, C. (2020, June 27). Fostering engagement in conferencing spaces. Conferencing Tools for Teaching Learning Best practices. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/conferencingtoolsbestpractices/chapter/fostering-engagement-in-conferencing-spaces/

Hrastinski, S., Keller, C., & Carlsson, S. A. (2010). Design exemplars for synchronous e-learning: A design theory approach. Computers & Education, 55(2), 652–662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.02.025

Howard, Jay. “How to Hold a Better Class Discussion.” Chronicle of Higher Education. 23 May 2019. https://www.chronicle.com/interactives/20190523-ClassDiscussion.

Ragupathi, K. (2018). Facilitating Effective Online Discussions. 16.