NORTHEAST ISD Electronic Collaboration The use of Electronic Discussion Boards to support instruction North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence Why Discussion Boards? Electronic discussion boards are now being used to promote a reading and writing connection They can also provide a natural language learning environment by promoting learners’ social interaction and creating an authentic discourse community.

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence What is CMC? –Computer-based –Promote Reading/Writing Literacy –Digital fluency – using technology to become comfortable with language Computer Mediated Communication

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence What a Discussion Board is… –A place to support reading comprehension through writing –Uninhibited student responses –For many users –Anytime/Anywhere learning –Collaboration Student to student Student to teacher

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence What a Discussion Board is not… –A chat room –A place to practice bad habits in the use of the English language –Informal text

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence Why use a Discussion Board? –Potential for increased student: Reading Comprehension Reading and writing fluency Interest Engagement Motivation

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence Why use a Discussion Board? –Potential for increased student: Autonomy Social interaction related to reading Interest using hands-on activities

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence When to Use –Free Writing stations –Whole Class responses –Student self-selected reading and responses –Home responses to teacher directed prompts/activities

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence Cautions –Use for NEISD instructional purposes only –Mindful thought of Pedagogical Purpose –Monitor content for appropriateness –Encourage: all student participation meaningful participation response to posts in a timely fashion

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence Teacher Only Forum Password protected Place to post issues, concerns or help requests Provide general feedback/suggestions for improvement Provide student success examples

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence First Steps –Be trained on use of Fusetalk Discussion Board (ITS) –Schedule and Implement 1 st lesson with ITS (observe lesson format/timeline) –Teacher and specialist monitor forum daily –End of session debriefs/feedback with students

North East Independent School District A Tradition of Excellence Thank You! We hope that this collaborative effort between the Educational Technology Department, School Improvement, and cooperating teachers will make this a success for students!