This document provides instructions for exploring various online discussion boards and forums. It includes a list of 15 websites to visit, with a brief description and questions to consider for each one. The goal is to help users understand different types of online discussion platforms and choose some that could be used for their own training purposes. Users are asked to answer questions at the end to reflect on what they've learned.

1. Discussion Board & Forum Web Search

2. directionsDirectionsAdvance to the slide after this one and read the questions for which you will be seeking answers.Go to the next slide and review the table showing each of the websites suggested for this Search.Move through the slides selecting which links to follow. Spend as much or as little time as you desire at the various sites to explore. Remember to answer the questions on slide 3 for your future planning.

3. How would you describe a discussion board or forum to workshop participants?What are three specific site options that are realistic for you to use for online discussions when you train? What are ways you can make the discussion board or forum a fun and meaningful experience for participants?Create one discussion board assignment that you may use in the future. Be specific and write it exactly as you would for participants.Questions to be Answered

4. Menu of Search SuggestionsVpbWB

5. WikipediaWikipedia, the online collaborative encyclopedia written by users, provides basic information about Internet Forums.QWIKI, is a visual search engine with auditory descriptions.Go to the “Internet Forum” at the Wikipedia web site by clicking on the icon above or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_forum. If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.While on the web site explore the first section and review any others of interest. Check out QWIKI to learn about Internet Forums at http://www.qwiki.com/q/#!/Internet_forum

6. Distance Learning Resource GuideThe “Distance Learning Resource Guide” (2009) is a publication of the Kentucky Partnership for Early Childhood Services. Go to the Kentucky Partnership for Early Childhood Services web site by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://www.kentuckypartnership.org/Info/ecpro/ECPD/dl/dl.aspx If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser. Scroll to the bottom of the web page and download the “Distance Learning Resource Guide”. PDF is required for download.Read the “Discussion” sub-section of Learner Participation and Engagementlocated on the bottom of page 17 and top of page 18.

7. YouTube hosts many videos about online discussion. This specific one clarifies the difference in blogs, wikis, and forums. Go to the YouTube video, “Blogs vs Wikis vs Forums” by clicking on the icon above or the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubdhy4oOMcM If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.After listening to this video, search for other related titles if interested.Blogs Wikis Forums

8. Forum PointForum Point is a web site that provides terminology related to forums and other information useful to those new to discussion boards. Go to the Forum Point web site by clicking on the icon above or the link: http://www.forumpoint.com/terms/. If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.While on the web site explore the following:Click each term and read the definition provided.Review any other areas of the site that are of interest.

9. Slang DictionaryInternet Slang Dictionary and Translator is a web site where you can enter Internet, Twitter and more slang and learn what it means. A guide and self quizzes are available too.Go to the Internet Slang Dictionary and Translator web site by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://www.noslang.com/. If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.While on the web site explore the following:Take one or both of the Internet Slang QuizzesTake a peek at the resources listed in the Netspeak Guide.

10. iVillage Message BoardsiVillage is an online community of nearly 30 million women and the message boards are designated for 8 topics. Go to the iVillage Message Board web site by clicking on the icon above or the link http://forums.ivillage.com/. If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.While on the web site explore the following:At least one of the message boards as an example. Reaching an actual board takes several clicks. For example, if you click on “Toddlers and Preschoolers” in the Pregnancy and Parenting area, you will go to a list of 5 related boards and must click once more to see the board communication.

11. StarbucksStarbucks is one of many businesses that has established a discussion space on their web site to encourage customers to discuss new product ideas and provide feedback about service. Go to the “My Starbucks Idea” page by clicking on the icon above or the link http://mystarbucksidea.force.com/. If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.While on the web site identify the following: the last suggestion in “The Most Recent Ideas” sectionan idea suggested that is being implemented

12. ASTDThe American Society for Training and Development only requires registration to participate in any of their nine discussion boards and not association membership. Go to the ASTD E-Learning Discussion Board web site by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://community.astd.org/eve/ubb.x?a=frm&s=4201061&f=6401041 If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser. While on the web site:Look at the overall format of the discussion boardSelect at least one post and read the response from others. The following one is recommended, “How can one make virtual classrooms as effective as an offline session?”

13. NAEYC Facebook NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children has member only discussion communities from their web site, but their Facebook discussion page is open. Go to the NAEYC Facebook page by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://www.facebook.com/NAEYC?sk=app_2373072738 If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.While on the web site explore the different kinds of discussions. Most are single posts but one that has a longer thread is “Online discussion with Young Children authors of "Helping Children Play and Learn Together"

14. Yahoo Groups“Yahoo Groups” is an online community for free mailing lists, photo & file sharing, and calendar sharing. YouTube has many videos about how to use Yahoo Groups and this is one example.Go to the YouTube video, “How to Use Yahoo Groups” by clicking on the icon above or the link below:. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buSoEg0Ckx0&feature=related If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.After watching the video, check out information about setting up Yahoo Groups at http://groups.yahoo.com/

15. Google Groups“Google Groups” is a free online community for discussions and sharing of resources. Groups may be open to the public or set up as private. YouTube and TeacherTube have videos about Google Groups. This example is from TeacherTube.Go to the Teacher Tube video “Google Groups” by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://www1.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?title=Google_Groups&video_id=139973 If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.After watching this introduction video, by Cameron Wright and Philip Hembree check out information about setting up Google Groups at http://groups.google.com/

16. BlackboardYouTube hosts many videos about discussion boards. This specific one refers to “Blackboard” - a specific Course Management System. It shows steps to set up a Discussion Board. Go to the YouTube video, “Blackboard: Create Discussion Board” by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tijaZab0W9g If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.Search for other discussion board or discussion forum videos, if desired.

17. Engaging StudentsYouTube hosts many videos about discussion boards. This specific one refers to “Blackboard” - a specific Course Management System, but the focus is on an Instructor’s way of using discussion boards in class. Go to the YouTube video, “Discussion Boards to Engage Students” by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7wFrITZ0FA If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.Search for other discussion board or discussion forum videos if desired.

18. BlabberizeBlabberize is a site to create talking photos. A photo is uploaded and a message recorded with it. The site can be used for fun or for education. One example of an educational use is for discussion or short oral reports. Go to the Blabberize site by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://blabberize.com/ If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.Click on the video that appears, listen and learn. Click on the word “Blabberize” below the video and then click on “Browse” in the menu at the top. Select any of the samples to review. See the Frequently Asked Questions by clicking on “FAQs” in the menu at the very bottom of each page.

19. VoiceThreadVVoiceThread is a collaborative site where participants can comment in text or audio on photos, files, and more. Free accounts with limited options are available, as well as paid accounts. Go to the VoiceThread site by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://voicethread.com/about/features/ If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.Read the VoiceThread Overview.View one of the VoiceThread samples in the right column. Read about the free account by clicking on “Support” on the top tabs, and then clicking on “Account Types” in the menu at the left of the page. Free is the first option under Account Types.

20. GlogsterGlogster is a site where participants can create interactive electronic posters (called Glogs) using text, graphics, audio, video and more. Educational accounts are available. Go to the Glogster site by clicking on the icon above or the link below: http://www.glogster.com/ If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.Read the VoiceThread Overview.Click on the “Brand New Glogs” and “Today’s Top Glogs” located on the front page. Click on and take a look at a few samples of your choice. Click to get to “Glogster Edu” and then look around. Take the “tour" or just look around. The menu at the bottom of the page has a link to Glogster Edu.

21. WWellwisherWellwisher is a free Internet page where sticky notes are posted with content related to a single topic or question. It can be public or private, depending on how it is set up. To view Wellwisher, go to the web site by clicking on the icon above or the link: www.wellwisher.com If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.Click to view the “Demo Wall” by clicking the first tab on the top right. Notice that one of the sticky notes includes a video for the answer. Discussion does not have to be text.Review the FAQs found under the “Go To” tab at the top right. Go on and build a wall, if you want to.

22. BBloggerBlogger is a free space to create a blog that can be used for participant discussion. Other free blog spaces include Word Press, TypePad, and others.As an example, go to the Blogger web site clicking on the icon above or the link: www.blogger.com. If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.Take the tour or watch the video tutorial.

23. pbProBoardsProBoards is a free space to create a forum. blog that can be used for participant discussion. Another example is Yuku. As an example, go to the ProBoards web site clicking on the icon above or the link: http://www.proboards.com/. If the link does not work, copy the address into a browser.Explore the site and compare to Yuku.

24. BecoAs an example, go to the Beco Forum at http://gobeco.org/db/ and join in the conversation about hybrid learning, training tips, and online learning tools. The board was created with phpBB.

25. Congratulations! You have come to the end of the Online Discussion Board and Forum Web Search. If you have not already done so, answer the questions on slide 3 and save for your future planning. Hopefully the exploration and evaluation of sites will be helpful as you plan your online discussion training experiences.Clip art from www.Clipart.comCreated by Beco Consultinghttp://gobeco.org/