Online discussion boards allow students to have conversations about topics in a virtual space at a time that is convenient for them. What these discussions look like can vary depending on the tool being used.
Here are three tools that could be used for online discussions:
Google Classroom
There are two places in Google Classroom where a discussion could take place: in the Stream or as a Question on the Coursework page.
In your classroom Settings, you can choose the Stream setting "Students can only comment." This would allow students to comment on a question that you posted on the Classroom Stream.
When you ask a Question on the Coursework page, you can allow students to edit their answer and reply to others.
The nice thing about using a Question is students can not see classmates' responses until they answer the question first. Then they can read and respond to their classmates.
Flipgrid
Teachers create a topic and then students response to this topic with video. Teachers have the ability to moderate videos and view them first before anyone else can. Students can reply to each other through video.
Padlet
This tool is very similar to a bulletin board. Questions are "pinned" to the board and students can "pin" their response under the question. Responses can take the shape of text, videos, and pictures.
Here are some strategies from ASCD for better discussions:
1. Provide Clear Participation Guidelines
Make sure students know exactly what they are supposed to do. What looks like participation in your online discussion?
2. Show Students How to Participate
Participate in the online discussion yourself. Show students what good responses look like. Ask follow up questions of your students to promote more discussion.
3. Help Students Use Visual Strategies to Make Better Connections
Encourage students to respond in a "thread" to make following the conversation easier by all readers. Using names when responding to other students will also help the flow of conversation.
Here are three tools that could be used for online discussions:
Google Classroom
There are two places in Google Classroom where a discussion could take place: in the Stream or as a Question on the Coursework page.
When you ask a Question on the Coursework page, you can allow students to edit their answer and reply to others.
The nice thing about using a Question is students can not see classmates' responses until they answer the question first. Then they can read and respond to their classmates.
Flipgrid
Teachers create a topic and then students response to this topic with video. Teachers have the ability to moderate videos and view them first before anyone else can. Students can reply to each other through video.
Padlet
This tool is very similar to a bulletin board. Questions are "pinned" to the board and students can "pin" their response under the question. Responses can take the shape of text, videos, and pictures.
Here are some strategies from ASCD for better discussions:
1. Provide Clear Participation Guidelines
Make sure students know exactly what they are supposed to do. What looks like participation in your online discussion?
2. Show Students How to Participate
Participate in the online discussion yourself. Show students what good responses look like. Ask follow up questions of your students to promote more discussion.
3. Help Students Use Visual Strategies to Make Better Connections
Encourage students to respond in a "thread" to make following the conversation easier by all readers. Using names when responding to other students will also help the flow of conversation.
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