Classroom Discussion Forums

Since learning went online, students and professors have depended upon Internet classroom discussion forums for the critical exchange of ideas that advances a well-rounded education. While they lack the intimacy of face-to-face classroom contact, forums help professors and students in exchanging notes, opinions, and feedback with each other.

Structure Is Everything

It is up to the teacher to ensure that the forum is lively, well attended, and a safe place to visit. Online activities should spark creativity and dialogue. First, the teacher must educate students about etiquette for their postings to the forum and clearly outline the kind of content that is appropriate for sharing. There must be clear ground rules.

Set Your Own Schedule

Once readings are assigned, students respond by posting remarks in discussion threads. As students comment on the work of their peers, the forum takes shape as a collaborative workshop. Discussion forum participants tend to like the lack of time requirements on posting assignments that are traditionally imposed on 55-minute, on-campus classes. They can upload thoughtful responses without interruptions or having to fight for the attention of their professor.

Collaboration Works Wonders

Another benefit of the forum structure is that students may be organized in teams around specific subject matter. By using expanding discussion threads, they report back and forth at their convenience about their findings. And the good news is the text remains online so that materials can be cut and pasted into follow-up drafts. It is the job of the instructor to ensure that discussions stay on topic, and that personal remarks are kept to a bare minimum. And while you can’t pat a virtual student on the back, you certainly can paste a “smiley” into your online remarks.