This document discusses using blogs and discussion boards in blended learning environments. It explains that blogs are organized by poster with linear comments, while discussion boards are organized by thread with more complex commenting structures. The document provides tips for writing effective prompts that are open-ended and promote higher-order thinking and collaboration. Examples of math and civics discussion prompts are also included. Finally, the document outlines best practices for implementing online discussions, such as providing clear instructions, using a rubric, modeling discussions, circulating to encourage participation, and moderating discussions.

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Designing and Implementing Effective
BLOGS AND DISCUSSION
BOARDS
Providing Engaging Learning Environments

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Discussion Tools
(Discussion Boards and Blogs)
• Structured back and forth
• Clearly associated with a user
• Not a wiki
Providing Engaging Learning Environments

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Choosing a Blog or Discussion Board
Blog Discussion Board
• Organized by poster • Organized by thread
• Linear comment structure • Complex comment structure
• Easy to use and navigate • More involved navigation
Providing Engaging Learning Environments

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Writing Effective Prompts
• Open-ended,
• Higher-order Task Produces
• Meaningful Collaboration
Providing Engaging Learning Environments

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Examples
• 2nd Grade Math
– Make up an addition number
sentence that can be solved by
another person.
– Read someone else’s number
sentence.
– Reply with the answer.
Providing Engaging Learning Environments

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Examples
• Civics & Government
– Develop a want ad for the newspaper
seeking a candidate for president. Include
qualifications, responsibilities, and
privileges.
– This should reflect the constitutional
requirements as well as the qualities you
believe make an effective president.
– Respond to a peer by posting a cover letter
replying to the ad.
Providing Engaging Learning Environments

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Implementing Online Discussion
Activities
• Provide clear instructions
– Conventions of spelling and
grammar?
– Length?
– Off-topic posts?
Providing Engaging Learning Environments

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Implementing Online Discussion
Activities
• Post and use a rubric
• Model a post
– Real-time
– Think-aloud
– Poll: Are you familiar with the term
“think-aloud”?
• Will take longer than you think
• Circulate and redirect fast posters
Providing Engaging Learning Environments

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Implementing Online Discussion
Activities
• Moderation
– Enforce existing policies
– Maintain perspective
Providing Engaging Learning Environments