This document discusses enabling online discussions for large class sizes. It aims to add literature on online communication methods and impart teaching techniques for managing online discussions. It refers to online discussions as synchronous communication between remotely situated students and teachers, facilitated by computer networks and online applications. A big class size is defined as 30-40 students, and the same size is used for online discussions. The document discusses structuring online discussions in four stages: forming, norming, storming/continuous norming, and participating. It emphasizes allowing social interaction, encouraging cooperation, and having engaging discussion topics. Fundamental communication concepts can be applied to effective teaching techniques online.

1. ENABLING AND ENRICHING ONLINE DISCUSSIONS FOR BIG CLASS SIZESMaria Victoria G. PinedaInformation Technology DepartmentDe La Salle University, Manila, Philippinesmavic.pineda@delasalle.ph

2. This paper aims to add literature in online ways of communication; to impart teaching techniques and management of online discussions; and to see the relevance of social interaction in enabling class discussions.Online discussion in this paper is referred to as synchronous communication of students and teachers situated remotely from each other, facilitated by computer networks and online application to discuss class lessons as an equivalent of a face-to-face class session. A big class size refers to a face-to-face class with thirty (30) to forty (40) students. The same big class size is used to define the class size to be managed in the online discussion.

3. Classroom teaching vs. individualized teachingSimultaneous method, dividing the large classes into what may be considered as homogenous groups led by student monitors. (Salm, 1996)JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLEFrance, 17th century

4. Social Interactions“the acts, actions, or practices of two or more people mutually oriented towards each other's selves, that is, any behavior that tries to affect or take account of each other's subjective experiences or intentions” (Rummel, 1996)

6. Stage 1. Forming.Structure of the online discussion

7. An example of discussion in the Forming stage

8. Stage 2. Norming.Structure of the online discussion

9. Stage 3. Storming/Continuous Norming. Contributors

10. Reactors

11. Submitters

12. Bummers

13. Jumpers

14. JokersStructure of the online discussion

15. An example of discussion in the Storming/Continuous Norming stage, some have exhibited engagement in the discussion and the remaining ungrouped students started to join.

16. Stage 4. Participating.Structure of the online discussion

17. An example of discussion in the Participating stage where new ideas start to pour

18. Basic Protocol for the DiscussionChoose a conference group where you think you will feel comfortable sharing. Ask the moderator if you can join the conference. Introduce yourself and mention your section. After that, you can participate in the discussion.MOFTECH students can use English, Filipino or broken English or broken Filipino in the discussion. As much as possible, stick to the subject talked about. Everyone is encouraged to share ideas, opinions, experiences and knowledge. Pls inform the moderator if you are leaving the conference room or signing out already.The moderators are tasked to encourage the interest and sharing of facts and opinions in the discussion without being rude or impolite to others. Moderators can also call the attention of a student if there's any misbehavior (cursing, encouraging other students to destroy the topic, use of excessive large fonts etc.) Self-disclosure is part of grounding

19. Structure of the online discussion

20. Source: http://pinklea.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/dilbert_meetingmadness1.jpg