Online courses typically use discussion boards as a means of encouraging student interaction. Most discussions require students to create an initial post and reply to two or more students. Discussions are not always popular among students, or even faculty. However, they have become a mainstay of online education, so let’s brainstorm how to make them more interesting and effective. In your initial post:
- Share your experiences with online discussions so far (at DCN or elsewhere).
- If you were teaching on online class, how might you use/change them to make them more effective?
- Describe at least one alternative to discussions that would also promote student interaction.
- How important is faculty participation in the discussions?
- Finally, find an article in a peer reviewed nursing or educational journal that supports your ideas. Cite the source correctly, and make the DOI or URL a working link in the reference list.
My Experiences with Online Discussions: I have observed various approaches to online discussions in educational settings. Some were highly engaging, while others fell flat. The key to successful online discussions, in my opinion, lies in the design and facilitation.
Enhancing Effectiveness of Online Discussions as an Instructor: As an instructor in an online class, I would consider the following strategies to make online discussions more effective:
- Clear Guidelines: Provide students with clear guidelines on participation expectations, response times, and grading criteria. Clarity helps students understand what is expected of them.
- Diverse Topics: Select discussion topics that are relevant, thought-provoking, and applicable to real-world scenarios. This encourages meaningful contributions.
- Moderation and Feedback: Actively participate as a moderator by providing feedback on student posts, asking probing questions, and summarizing key takeaways. This not only guides the discussion but also shows faculty engagement.
- Peer Review: Incorporate a peer-review component where students assess and provide constructive feedback on each other’s posts. This promotes critical thinking and peer interaction.
- Small Group Discussions: Break larger classes into smaller discussion groups to foster more intimate and focused conversations. This can increase student engagement.
Alternative to Discussions for Student Interaction: One alternative to traditional discussions could be collaborative projects or case studies. Students work together on a project, solving problems or analyzing scenarios. This approach promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge.
Importance of Faculty Participation: Faculty participation in online discussions is crucial for several reasons. It:
- Demonstrates instructor involvement and interest in students’ learning.
- Provides guidance, clarification, and expertise.
- Encourages students to take discussions seriously.
- Sets the tone for respectful and constructive discourse.
Supporting Article: I found an article titled “Online Discussion Boards: Fostering a Collaborative Learning Community in an Online Environment” by Rutherford, J. (2016) in the Journal of Nursing Education. The article explores strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of online discussion boards in nursing education.
Reference: Rutherford, J. (2016). Online Discussion Boards: Fostering a Collaborative Learning Community in an Online Environment. Journal of Nursing Education, 55(12), 690-693. DOI: 10.3928/01484834-20161114-11