Discussion Board Bits

Agenda Topics• Introduction• Discussion Boards• Where are they used• What else you should know– Asynchronous Learning – Subject Lines– Posting Pointers– Timeliness

• Do’s and Don’ts• Pro’s and Con’s• Conclusion

Here at University of Akron

• Since 1999, The University of Akron has committed millions of dollars to its distance learning facilities and infrastructure required for their learning technology. The result has been one of the most advanced and sophisticated distance learning networks in the state of Ohio.

Discussion Boards• Also known as Bulletin Boards• A place where participants can post a question or

idea, and others can respond in what are called threads

• Often starts with a single question which then branches off into different threads and sub-threads as the focus changes (pg. 88 Getting the Most from Online Learning)

• Not all students have to be online at the same time to participate

Where are they used?Discussion boards are used in many differentenvironments:

• Schools: usually in online class settings• Businesses: to collaborate on projects without

scheduled meetings• Support Groups: collaborating with other people that

share a common issue• Personal: hobbies, personal interest subjects

What else you should know..The next few slides will talk about some important things you should know and consider when using a discussion board:

• Asynchronous learning • Participation is important• Subject Lines tell it all • Posting Pointers• Watch your time

Asynchronous Learning• Access e-learning and participate in your

own time• Example: When an e-Learning student

communicates using a discussion board with their peers

Participation• Must be active participating members to

discussion board posts.– Reading posts & threads– Responding to posts & threads– Interesting Subject Line Topics

Subject Line• Use a subject line

that allows other people to know what you are commenting on

• If you’re going too far off the question, re-title your reply and start another subject

Posting Pointers

• No more than five lines for a posting• Read posts carefully before you react• Don’t just post agree/disagree, explain why• Value your colleagues’ opinion

Time Guidelines

• If possible, check discussion boards daily

• Post responses as quickly as possible

• Communication timeliness maintains integrity of discussion board topics

Do’s and Don’ts• Think about your response before posting• Remember everyone knows you. Don’t forget you are never completely

anonymous on the Internet.• Make sure to use proper netiquette• Use emoticons sparingly• Keep posts 5 lines or less. If more start

a new subject.

Pro’s and Con’sPro’s for using discussion boards:• Collaboration without meeting, saves time• Some may feel more comfortable posting instead of talking• Educational possibilities

Con’s for using discussion boards:• It is hard to show emotion or for others to know when you

are joking • Posting credibility• Email may be logged into the site you are using for possible

future advertisings

In Conclusion

• Use common sense when posting to discussions

• Discussion boards are a great supplement to e-Learning and other great training processes in the work place and schools

References

• Piskurich, G.M. (2004). Getting the Most from Online Learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer

• http://online.sccsc.edu/netiquette.htm• http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-

articles/distance-learning-success.htm• http://www.uakron.edu/it/instructional_services/dl/• 1/9/05 http://www.articlealley.com• 4/12/10 http://www.blogihub.com

Meeting Minutes• February 07, 2011

– 7:00 P.M.– 1 Hour– All 3 members in Elluminate

• February 11, 2011– 7:30 P.M.– ½ Hour– All 3 members in Elluminate