Keeping up with the Online Discussion

Posted by Benae Lambright on July 14th, 2008

Many people feel that enrolling in an online program is not compatible to an on-ground learning experience. Yes, there are many differences between the two methods of instruction, but one thing that does not differ is student participation. In the online environment it is more critical to participate in the discussion- it is usually a significant part of your grade.

 

Discussion boards helped to foster a community of learners that share ideas, knowledge, suggestions and debate. The conversation in a traditional classroom can range from spirited to low-key or non existence and so can the discussion in an online classroom. The average online course will have weekly discussions that require students to participate by submitting a reply to a posted question or scenario and then responding to their classmates’ posted answers to the same question. This process allows for the students to share their learning as well as comment on others by offering positive feedback. Positive feedback can be in the form of encouragement and agreement to a classmates posted retort or it can be by sharing an alternative perspective. One thing that all classroom participants must understand is that it is okay to disagree or have a different opinion from their classmates. Usually classmates tend to agree on the discussed topic, it is common that the instructor has the diverse opinion. But remember, the instructor and students must use the course material as a guide and resource.

 

Another important part of the discussion board is to frequently visit the forum. The student will be given a deadline to post and respond to the unit’s discussion board. Within that time frame it is recommended that a student visit the discussion at least three times. This may not always be an easy task to have the accessibility or time to accomplish this, but as a commitment to yourself and your classmates, if all involved attempt to frequent the board and share, the dialogue will remain engaging and educe others to contribute.

 

If the online learner can schedule three times out of the unit to post to the discussion board, the dialogue between classmates and the instructor will be constant and on-topic. A way to ensure your participation in the unit’s discussion is to:

 

• Read and Post to the discussion within the first 24 hours of the unit’s opening.
• Return to the discussion board within 48- 72 hours of your initial post to answer others that may have commented to your response and reply to your classmates’ original post.
• If possible, return to the discussion within the last day or two before the unit ends. At this time you will share any further thoughts you have developed from the readings, seminars, essays or other resources you have experienced throughout the week.

 

This formula for “active participation” may not be an easy task to commit to. If you are able to meet these minimum recommendations, you can gain so much from the experience. Give it a try! There are probably many ways to stay abreast of the discussion and be a part of the classroom conversation.

Raise Your Mouse - Be An Active Online Student

Posted by J.M. Striegel on July 4th, 2008

Think you can be an online student and not participate in the classroom discussions or readings? You should reconsider your position. Professors and instructors are taking advantage of the latest technology and using it to connect with their students online.

Webcams can help your instructor and fellow classmates “put a face with a name” and are used for everything from informal chats among classmates to formal class discussions and seminars. Online classes offer a great deal of flexibility, but some classes are taught in real-time settings online and you may need a high-speed internet connection to keep up with the video demands.

You’ll find that some instructors are more technologically savvy than others. Some include audio versions of their text lectures, allowing you the option to download the lecture onto a mobile device and continue to learn and study while you workout, run errands, or take a break from the computer. This method is especially beneficial for the student who learns best when hearing the material rather than reading it on their own.

Most online classes are conducted in a similar method to their traditional versions. There may be weekly readings that feature group discussion that requires the student to post their views/feedback in a specific chat area and respond to the comments of others. This participation shouldn’t be overlooked for it is often a large portion of your overall assessment and can become the deciding factor in a final grade.

The exchange of ideas within the walls (virtual or otherwise) of a classroom is nothing to shy away from. These discussions are essential to creating new ideas, increasing understanding of the subject, and improving critical thinking skills. Choosing to be an anonymous online student may not only be a thing of the past, but could very well hurt your grades and skill development.

J.M. Striegel