This document outlines four collaborative learning techniques using Blackboard: 1) Reading response blogs for groups where students are assigned to groups and take turns blogging about assigned readings and responding to each other's posts, 2) Issue debates where students schedule in-class debates and use blogs to prepare and discuss, 3) Test debriefing discussion boards where students discuss test questions after a test to learn from each other, and 4) Expert forums where designated student experts create a wiki to post audio and written responses to questions from other students on a topic.

1. Four Collaborative Learning Techniques using Blackboard David Vance

2. Reading Response Blogsfor Groups Assign reading, give study questions. In Blackboard, make groups. Three to five students, specify one as “leader.” Create blogs for groups. Leaders take ownership, blog on reading, respond to questions. Other group members respond with questions, corrections, additions. Rotate leadership on subsequent readings so every student gets to be a “leader.”

4. Ask for copies of supporting documentsAfter debate, debaters post debriefs Create class-wide discussion board for class assessment of debate.

5. Test Debriefing Discussion Board After a test…. Open a discussion board with one thread per test question. Invite discussion of questions and of answers. Students discussing questions can learn from each other, especially if test questions are likely to recur. Defects in questions are more likely to become clear in discussion.

6. Expert forum Designate one or two students as “experts” on a question or issue. Create a wiki as a forum for the experts. Experts post audio recordings about content. E.g., see “Stuff you missed in history class” with Katie and Sarah. http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=71540 Experts post relevant documents and links. Other students post written questions. Experts post audio responses. Harvest questions for exams.