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
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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
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI miss your contributions to the discussions in our classrooms. It is good to know that you are still kicking about. I'm in my final class, but the struggle to learn will never cease.
Best of luck with your future endeavors.
Rob
Rob
DeleteCongrats on being in your final class. It is a great feeling when you finish. Of course like you said, learning never ceases. I ended up adding both the online certification and the training and performance improvement certification. Next up, I think I may work on Project Management certification.
Best of luck to you as well. Great hearing from you.
Michelle
I love everything about your post Michelle. It is well-supported by resources, contains intriguing information to stimulate learner participation, has specific instructions, and a defined structure for students to follow.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr. Fenton. I really enjoy the blog posts. Its a different style of writing that can reach many.
DeleteI was confused by the initial instructions in the application assignment. I thought I was having trouble understanding as I had knee surgery Monday and have been on pain medicine but apparently I was not the only one confused by the instructions as Dr. Fenton's announcement stated.
ReplyDeleteAs an instructor it is critical to look at the design of a discussion forum in order to get the most out of it. There are many best practices when you begin looking at the set-up. The main thing is to find a format that works with the subject and proceed from there. According to the University of Washington’s Center for Instructional Development and Research Teaching and Learning Bulletin (2002), some key components of a good online discussion are:
- Design thought-provoking questions that require critical thinking
- Promote self-reflection by asking students to create summaries
- Raise thought and practice in discipline to provide a realistic experience for learners
- Ensure ground rules are established.
As the video stated, learners should:
- Post early so that everyone has a chance to participate in the discussion
- Read others post before doing your own so that you can add value
- Ensure your post is clear and concise – there are no nonverbal cues/gestures to pick up on in an online discussion so ensure you are getting your point across.
Following these simple steps will ensure that you get a good discussion post started that will benefit the learning experience.
University of Washington’s Center for Instructional Development and Research (2002). Designing Online Discussions: Key Questions. Teaching and Learning Bulletin 6.2. Retrieved from https://www.brown.edu/about/administration/sheridan-center/teaching-learning/course-design/learning-technology/designing-online-discussions-key-questions
Dold, J. (2013). Discussion Board Etiquette. Retrieved from YouTube: https://youtube/tVquWcrMPxfY
WOW Michelle: I am amazed at your assignment. I must say that there are so many way to create assessments for our students. Your concept has given me a great idea. The Utube requirement is a blast to have fun with your students.
ReplyDeleteBests,
Melvin