The document discusses best practices for using threaded discussions in online and hybrid classes. Some key points include: - Threaded discussions allow for asynchronous student interaction through posting messages on discussion boards in a hierarchical, topic-based format. - Effective discussions require good topics that are narrow, organized, and keyed to other class activities. Facilitation from the instructor is important to build on student responses. - Asynchronous discussions provide benefits like time and space flexibility for students as well as a permanent record of the conversation, but they also have disadvantages like lack of nonverbal cues, fragmented discussions, and potential delays in interaction. - Instructors can promote use of discussions by making them required and graded components

1. Effective Use of Threaded Discussions for Online or Hybrid Classes Britt Watwood

2. Why “Discuss”? Critical Thinking Reflective Social Capital Interactive Formative Assessment Discussion

3. What Is A Threaded Discussion? Collection of Individuals Connected via Bb Topic Based Grouping of Messages Hierarchical “… a series of related conversations…”

4. Blackboard Discussion Boards

5. What Does a “ Good” F 2 F Classroom Discussion Look Like???

6. Does a “ Good” Online Discussion Look Different???

7. Audience Digital Literacy Digital Natives Digital Immigrants Learner Confidence Undergraduate Graduate Learner Maturity Degree of Engagement

8. Advantages of Asynchronous Discussions Time and Space Flexibility Student Interaction Reflective Overview of Conversation as Well as Specifics Permanent Record

9. Assumption of Sophisticated Learner Absence of Body Language Fragmented Discussion Linear Postings Late Contributions Not Developed Time Consuming Can Be Confrontational Lack of Spontaneity Disadvantages of Asynchronous Discussions

10. Chickering’s Seven Good Practices X Diverse Talents X X X High Expectations X X Time on Task X X X X Prompt Feedback X X X X Active Learning X X X Student–Student Collaboration X X X Student – Faculty Contact Online Discussion Online Quiz Live Chat Email F2F

11. How Does One Promote The Use Of Threaded Discussions???

12. How Does One Promote Use? Required Part of Learning Expectations Rubric Graded Rubric Relevant Keyed to Lessons Teacher Presence

13. Five Roles I Play… (Scot Headley) Space Planner Pacesetter Host Connector Mirror

15. Tips for Fostering Discussions

16. Tips for Fostering Discussions Good Topics Narrow Topics Organized Topics Keyed to Rest of Class Activities Established Schedule Facilitated Build on Differences Also

17. … The Right Question… “ In a constructivist learning environment, the instructor always needs to keep in mind that when facilitating online discussion, asking the right questions is almost always more important than giving the right answers .” Berge and Muilenburg (2002)

19. Policy and Rules Syllabus Style Netiquette

20. Not Just Instruction… Forums for: Faculty Office Student Lounge Club Activities Current Events

21. Guest Speakers

22. Disruptive Discussers

23. Alternative Formats Wimba Voice Board Live Classroom

24. Next Steps? Our Website: http://www.vcu.edu/cte