In the online learning environment everyone has a role to play.
The learner is there to gain new knowledge, share ideas with other learners, and develop critical thinking skills to not only gain new knowledge, but to apply that to their everyday circumstances.
The instructor is there to facilitate a positive and safe learning environment, encourage collaboration, elaboration and assess student learning in an ongoing process.
Discussion boards provide a space for both the learner and the instructor to perform their role in the course and exchange ideas with one another and other learners in the learning environment on a given topic.
An example discussion forum structure is as follows from Horton(Horton, 2006)
Another great resource to consider.
The Discussion Assignment
Begin this week's discussion by reviewing this week's book exerpt by Horton CLICK HERE. related to setting up a discussion forum. Then review the video on discussion board etiquette.
Next, consider your own experiences in online discussion forums.
By Wednesday:
Based on your reading, YouTube video and personal experience, post your thoughts on the proper way to design and participate in an online discussion forum. Include the perspective of the instructor and of the learner. For each include at least 3 key practices.
By Sunday:
Read a selection of your classmates postings. Respond to at least 2 postings with an encouraging comment on something they shared and a question to further the conversation.
Rubric for Grading CLICK HERE (University, 2016
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resources:
Dold, J. (2013). Discussion
Board Etiquette. Retrieved from YouTube: https://youtu.be/tVqWcrMPxfY
Horton, W. (2006). Designing in the Virtual Classroom. In E-Learning by Design (pp. 463-471). John Wiley & Sons
Inc.
University,
W. (2016). Discussion Rubric.
Retrieved from
http://inside.waldenu.edu/c/Student_Faculty/StudentFaculty_15198.htm
