Webinar Effective Discussion Boards Jim Hicks-Instructional Designer Department of Information Technology Union Institute & University

Discussion Board Facilitation -At the center of almost every online course is the discussion forum. -This is where ideas, information, and new material are shared, discussed, analyzed, and built upon. -The discussion forum mimics the classroom in a face-to-face environment. The forums are important to help build a sense of community among the learners who are often geographically isolated from each other.

Discussion Board Facilitation -The instructor is a facilitator in the discussion. -They serve to monitor the responses and ensure that the discussion is a safe place for all students to share. -Facilitators should keep the discussion on track and help those that tend to stray, focus on the material being discussed. -Facilitators should help to advance the discussion if it happens to become “stuck.” -But facilitators should not be so heavily involved that they impede the process or the flow of discussion.

Discussion Board Strategies -Post the rules and scoring rubrics to communicate behavioral expectations at the start of class. These should be supported by netiquette and Acceptable Use Policies. -Encourage students to introduce themselves and meet one another to form a learning community where they will feel safe to share and discuss. -Develop discussion questions that allow the student to critically reflect on the material and synthesize it with their own experiences. -Encourage students to participate early and often.

-Create their presence in the classroom but not interfere with the flow of the discussion. Occasional modeling of responses is helpful. -Intervene when the discussion is veering off in the wrong direction and help move the discussion back on track. -Ensure that the discussion forum is a safe learning environment. -Promote further thinking and reflection by posing more thoughtful and engaging questions within any given discussion.