EOTP - Planning Effective Online Discussions
Rationale
“A key component of any online course is the discussion board. As online courses have matured, we realize that not all discussion forums are or should be the same. Some discussions are for building community; other discussions are for applying core concepts and engaging in critical thinking. If the purposes of discussion boards differ, then how we structure, monitor, and evaluate the discussion boards should also differ” (Judith Boettcher, ACUE Blog)
Practices
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Align prompts with your instructional goals
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Develop prompts that leverage student experience and reinforce real-world application
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Develop prompts to invite diverse viewpoints
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Create multiple prompts to allow students choice
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Explain the role of discussion in supporting learning
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Align student and instructor expectations with the purpose of the prompt
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Provide detailed expectations, rubrics, and exemplars of productive contributions
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Model quality posts to clarify expectations
