Introduction
Student engagement in an online course can be difficult. The online student often feels like an island disconnected from his or her classmates. Traditionally, discussions have been the vehicle for engaging students in the online course. I agree that they can be, but I propose that the online courses can be designed using the discussion type to help student connect to other students and to learn from them.
Using Discussion Components Non-Traditionally To Engage
Example 1: Using Discussions to Connect
In one example, I employ the discussion type for students to post the scaffolded assignments during in different units throughout the course. In this example, students are building presentation materials for a cultural geography course and are asked to present the information they are gathering in a discussion forum. The assignment is designed this way so students can connect with their classmates, follow their classmates’ project progression, and even possibly learn from each other and also guide one another. In this course, the assignments double as supplemental content and a great way for students to learn about other cultures as they progress through the course. The goal is to allow them to connect by experiencing one another ideas.
In this use of the discussion forum, there is not reply required.
Example 2: Using Discussions to Collaborate
In another course, students are asked to submit a problem statement for a course project and in groups peer review the problem statement. Again, this is designed in such a way that students can learn from each other and also guide one another.
Assignment
Peer Review Discussion
Mary Burkart Portfolio 