Communicate 2 - Discussions

Answer in your blog: 

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

Online discussion in forums serve as a means of checks and balance.  It is an excellent tool for ensuring that the learner is engage.

2) How do discussion forums function as a teaching tool?

Discussion forums function as a teaching tool because the learner is required to engage in communicating with others and adding to the thread.  In doing so, the learner will discover information (from reading others responses) that he/she may have over looked thus extending the learning spectrum.  

Discuss forums hold the learner accountable because the learner has to reflect on a topic and show proof of understand through responding to discussion topics.

3) How could they be used effectively and ineffectively? 

If the learner is actively engage and contributing correct information then others can benefit from the discussion.  If the learner is not reading the material to prepare for the discussion the information shared can be false and misleading.

4) What are some best practices for facilitating forums online?

Best practice for facilitating forums online are as follows:

*Requiring students to share information to earn a grade.

*Post a new question to be discussed and require students to respond to questions.

*Set discussion guidelines to ensure that all students are displaying netiquette.

*Display examples of previous students engaging in a discussion to serve as a guide for current students.