Guiding the Discussion

Discussion forums are described as the lifeline of the online learning environment. Therefore it is most important that you as the instructor is able to create and facilitate meaningful discussion activities. Focus on what is needed and expected of both the instructor and the learner.

Prepare for the discussion by reading Chapter 9, “Design for the Virtual Classroom” (pp. 463–471) then answer the following questions.

• What can you as an instructor do when creating an online discussion environment?
• How would you prepare the learners for the discussion activty?
• What is the role of the moderator in an online discussion forum?
• What are some challenges as a moderator?

By Wednesday

Post your thoughts on this week’s discussion topic. Be sure to cite your sources to support your ideas.


By Sunday

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings. As you read their responses, note those to which you would like to respond with advice, questions, comments, and/or encouragement.


Respond to two or more of your colleagues’ postings in any of the following ways:

• Build on something your colleague said.
• Explain why and how you see things differently.
• Ask a probing or clarifying question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Expand on your colleague's posting.
• Ask for evidence that supports the posting.

Return to the discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Reflect on what you learned in this activity and/or insights you gained this week.

Click here to view the Discussion Rubric

Resources

Horton, W. (2006). E-learning by design. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.