Forum Discussions are the Heart of an Online Course

Writing in eLearningIndustry.com, Dr. James Brown says well-managed discussions can be better than those found in face-to-face classes. They can provide students time for critical thinking and help build community in your online course.

Dr. Brown provides these simple rules for better discussions.

“I use the ABCs of high-quality online discussions as a starting point for feedback that impacts student performance:

• Acknowledge the student’s input. A quick response by the instructor helps to begin the interaction with the students and keeps them motivated.
• Build on students’ ideas by adding content, perspectives, experience, reference to the readings, etc.
• Conclude with a focused follow-up question as a way to tie off the conversation with all students. I like to use a provocative question that facilitates critical thinking that goes beyond the facts.”

Dr. Brown also provides nine important suggestions that may help improve your online discussions.

Read the details at eLearningIndustry.com.

 

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