The document discusses synchronous vs asynchronous communication and how to facilitate online discussions. It identifies 4 roles for facilitating online discussions: 1) Technical - be familiar with communication systems and software to help students with issues 2) Social - create a social presence through icebreakers and student profiles to build community 3) Managerial - define goals, roles, and participation expectations to keep discussions efficient and on track 4) Pedagogical - use questions to develop student thinking and understanding of course material