1. Setup tips to improve online discussion in your WebCT course.
Presented by: Dr. Vincent Schreck, Portland State University

2. Presentation Outcomes
Weekly format for online discussions.
Instructor-led questioning, student-led responses.
Structuring a threaded discussion.
Using small group interaction in a large WebCT course.
Establishing a routine that works.

3. Critical Look at WS399
Let’s stop for a minute and take a look at the “old” Gender and Body Image course from PSU.
We’ll take a critical look at the setup of both the topic area and the discussion threads.
Switch over to the course browser. Leave this presentation right here. We’ll return shortly.

4. Discussion Problems Using the discussion board to collect assignments.
No routine and/or expectations around posting and/or replying.
No weekly topics – students don’t know where to go, and what to do.
Lack of engagement with the students.
Personal issues addressed by instructor.

5. What My Research Says…

6. Defining “Organized”

7. The New WS399
Using the principles from my research, I worked with the instructor to reorganize her discussion board.
Let’s go back to the course browser and look at the new Gender and Body Image course.
Keep the presentation open, we’ll return shortly.

8. Summary
Improving online discussion comes from improving the organizational foundation.
Organized courses offer routines, templated designs and clear writing.
Organized teachers create patterns of expectations, offer clear and frequent communications and engage the students in the learning process.

9. Thank You…Questions?
Thank you very much for you time and thoughtful participation. I invite you to ask any questions concerning this presentation.