Embedded Files
Learning to Communicate WEll Online Takes Practice!
Learning to Communicate WEll Online Takes Practice!
Discussions in Online Classes
Discussions in Online Classes
Many people don't like discussions in online classes because they are typically forced, lack structure, and most participants don't understand the jargon or the setup of the discussion board. Plus, in the age of AI, many students opt to have thier responses generated.
Like anything, however, you get out of discussions what you put in. So, let's demystify this remarkable and useful tool!
A Brief Introduction to Online Discussions
A Brief Introduction to Online Discussions
First, you should know that discussion boards were one of the first ways people connected in the early days of the Internet and the World Wide Web. There were no blogs or comment features on websites back then. No social media sites existed, so you could easily create profiles and share photos. You couldn't even leave reviews!
There were, however, message boards!
If you use Reddit, Quora, or Stack Overflow, you probably know how discussion boards (forums) work.
Our LMS, Brightspace, sets up Discussions like this...
Forums --> Topics --> Threads
So, for instance, you will post or reply to a Thread in the Unit 0: Email Reflection Topic found in the Unit Activity Discussion Forum.
New Threads vs. Replies
New Threads vs. Replies
Why would you reply, and why would you start a new thread?
That's a good question!
Adding insight or answering a question in a thread should be a REPLY
Want to ask a new question or post about something related to the topic overall, but there isn't a thread about that yet? That should be a NEW THREAD
BUT ONLY IF YOU CHECKED THE TOPICS FIRST!
Discussion Tips
Discussion Tips
Use descriptive titles!
If all the thread titles of this discussion are "Email Reflection," or "My Email Reflection," or "Ty's Email Reflection," how does that help anyone? Provide a brief, insightful title like "CC and BCC were interesting!" or "Replying vs. Forwarding."
Before you post to a topic, you can just read the current threads to see what others have already shared.
This way, we can avoid duplication. We want to host a DISCUSSION, not 24 threads with the same information.
Subscribe
You can subscribe to a forum or thread to be notified if someone responds. Subscribe to your thread to keep track of the conversation. Remember, be active!
Notebook ACTIVITY
Notebook ACTIVITY
Write one good discussion subject and one bad in your notebook, and then put these best practices to good use and participate in this Unit's discussion in the LMS.
This is especially important if you are in an online course. Interacting with your classmates is a vital part of the learning experience. You aren't alone. Other people are learning alongside you. Get to know them and interact authentically with your peers. You may be surprised by what they can teach you, too!
Why Does Any of This Matter?
Why Does Any of This Matter?
Discussion boards might feel like busywork, but learning to communicate clearly and thoughtfully in writing is one of the most valuable skills you can build right now. Take advantage of the opportunity discussions provide!
In a world where AI can generate a response in seconds, your real, authentic voice and perspective are more important than ever. Don't outsource that to a machine when you have so much to share.
Remember... Active > Passive
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse