1. How to Survive Discussion Forums
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How to Survive Discussion Forums
A Driving Tour
John Swann
Assistant Professor of History/Geography Social and Behavioral Sciences Division Chair Online Learning Campus Social and Behavioral Sciences Department Chair Georgia Military College
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

2. What are online discussions?
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What are online discussions?
Online discussion forums are one of the main learning tools found in almost all Online Learning Campus curriculum
Classroom conversations that stimulate learning by getting students to engage with class material online
HIS-102A example
Arranged by discussion boards, forums, and threads.
A discussion board is the tool that hosts the space for online discussions.
Can hold multiple forums, which can be organized by topic.
Discussion threads are conversations within discussion forums and begin with a leading question or prompt. Users can respond to the original prompt and can reply to other responses.
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

3. What are online discussions?
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What are online discussions?
Course management systems (CMS), such as Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, etc. host online discussions.
Can take other forms such as discussions based on a piece of work, or feedback dialogue on a student’s writing.  
ENG 101/102 example
Peer review forum in which the student is asked to submit a rough draft totaling at least 50-60% of the assignment's length, due Wednesday. Students are then asked to review others' papers (given specific instructions on how to do this constructively and effectively).
Students post the draft into their forum post or attach, and students' reviews are replies to that student's original post.
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

4. 12/17/2017 1:01 PM
Why do them?
Flexible, not limited by time or space, perfect for the asynchronous online environment.
Students can prepare for class activities by engaging in online discussions that are designed to have students get familiar with new topics.
Online discussions can reach different types of learners.
introverted thinkers time to process a response
extraverted thinkers time to reflect on their thoughts before posting
Students can use online discussions to give and receive feedback on their work.
Postings are saved and conversations can be reviewed for assessment and reflection purposes.
A space where students answer each other’s frequently asked questions about the course.
Question and Answer Forum
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

5. Effective online discussions
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Effective online discussions
To result in productive learning experiences:
Consider the learning objectives of the master syllabi.
i.e. evaluate the credibility of sources used in historical research.
Design effective questions or discussion prompts using Bloom’s taxonomy to engage students in meaningful ways
Apply a concept?
Critique an event?
Evaluate a piece of text?
Create and stagger mini deadlines
Initial responses due Wednesday
Require students to respond to four other students
Over three or more days
Guarantees that all students receive some sort of feedback on or engagement with their contributions.
Helps to facilitate ongoing discussion.
Communicate assignment expectations.
How often do we expect students to log on and to post
How online participation (attendance and quality of participation) affects course grade.
Use a rubric
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

6. Assessing online discussions
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Assessing online discussions
Online participation counts toward course grades
Provide students with feedback about the quantity and quality of their contribution.
Using a grading rubric helps ensure that evaluation is consistent.
“You need to substantively engage four or more peers over three or more days and cite any sources used to earn full credit.”
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

7. Examples Let’s take a look!
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Examples
An FAQ board that students can use to ask and answer questions about the course.
Reflections on course readings and lectures in relation to personal experiences.
Reflections on course readings and lectures in relation to current events.
Discussions around particular topics or current events related to course concepts.
Discussions around collaborative work such as an ongoing problem-based learning activity.
Feedback dialogue on a student writing assignment draft.
Responses to weekly required reading assignments.
Let’s take a look!
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

8. 12/17/2017 1:01 PM
References
CTE T4 Online Discussions: Extending Learning and Saving Time (CU NetID
required to access. Link redirects to login page.)
Cornell Academic Technologies Blackboard help site on Discussion Boards on
Blackboard
Davis, B.G (2009). Tools for teaching. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Rovai, A. (2007). Facilitating online discussions effectively. The Internet and Higher
Education, 10,
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.