Tired of the same old, same old discussion board assignment? This session will rethink the traditional structure of online discussion boards and demonstrate the learning potential of online discussions. Using student voices, this session explores innovative approaches to discussion boards.
The intent of this session is to rethink the traditional structure of online discussion boards and demonstrate the learning potential of online discussions. Discussion boards have become the bread and butter of online instruction in an attempt to replicate in-class discussions. Despite using best practices, being flexible in structure and formatting, and eliminating them altogether, one institution was craving the same interaction and depth as face-to-face course discussions. After a series of student interviews on traditional undergraduate student experiences with remote learning due to COVID-19 closures, the presenters came up with alternative ways to format online discussions that make the experience more authentic to its in-person counterpart. This session explores the current best practices for online discussions, student voices about discussions, and explores new ways of approaching discussion boards. Participants will be exposed to innovative approaches to online discussions and come away with a redesigned discussion assignment.