Communicate 4.3.2 Discussions

 Discussion Forums

 

What role or purpose do discussion forums serve in the online classroom and are they effective?

Discussion forums are to an online classroom as classroom discussions are to a traditional classroom. The real "learning" in both scenarios occurs when the students interact with one another. Discussion forums are invaluable to the online learning environment when effectively managed.

How do discussion forums function as a teaching tool?  

Discussion forums create the time and space for students "to talk" about the material, ask questions, have comments validated or challenged (in a cordial, non-judgmental way). They serve as teaching tools because the engagement allows the students to learn from each other. In their ideal forms, discussion forums should serve as  Q&A repositories, places students want to go and seek answers because they are confident folks will be there to help them. This scenario does not happen in a vacuum. To gain such a result, there is a deliberate action plan.

How could they be used effectively and ineffectively? Furthermore, what are some best practices for facilitating forums online?

 An effective discussion forum requires structure, purpose, clearly stated rules of engagement and the "felt" presence of the instructor. When these criteria are put into place consistently during the first 2-4weeks of class, the set the tone for this element of the online learning environment for the duration of the course.