Mastering Online Discussions
Online Discussion Boards are the most commonly used tools to promote online learning. Traditionally only University level courses used these online leaning platforms to promote student learning; however these technologies are now being adopted by high schools to provide new and exciting ways for students to learn both inside and outside of the classroom. Online Discussion Boards, which are also known as Forms, now provide students ways to learn asynchronously (at different times) outside of the classroom. But you might ask yourself how can learning happen at different times.
The answer to the question “how can learning happen at different times” is actually very simple. Learning does not have to happen in the classroom when digital technologies are used for learning. Online Discussion can occur over a period of time even if you are not in a classroom. You can respond to an article that was posted the day before, ask a classmate for clarification on something you did not understand, or share new resources you found online at anytime. All of these things can happen outside of the classroom. You might even be on a train going home for a school holiday and find something interesting online while you are on the train and decide to share it with your classmates. Leaning never stops when Online Discussion Boards are used for asynchronously learning.
The ability to learn outside of the classroom is one of the primary benefits of online learning. The ability to learn asynchronously allows you to learn at your own rate. If you need to take extra time on a subject you find difficult, you can review material online more often taking the time you need to learn it properly. You are also able to reflect on your ideas before sharing them with the class. This extra time allows you to reflect critically on your own ideas so you can make insightful comments on the discussion board.
Appropriate Writing Styles for Online Discussion Boards
Keep in mind that Online Discussion Boards, or Forms, are not Social Media. You may be used to many platforms such as Personal Blogs or Social Media Apps such as WeChat, but an Online Discussion Board require you to be more responsible with what, and how you post information.
For example, you may talk about what you are going to do on the weekend or after school on a Social Media, and you might also use abbreviations such as “BRT” (Be Right There); however these kinds of posts are inappropriate on an Online Discussion Board. Think about what you post online carefully. If people start posting irrelevant information, then it will be very hard for everyone to find important information. Your participation can have either a positive or negative effect on others learning.
Always think about the following three points before making a post:
- You need to be responsible for what you post.
- You need to think about how your posts will affect others.
- Your posts needs to promote learning.
It is also important to use proper writing conventions when making a post on an Online Discussion Board. It is important to use complete sentence and avoid using abbreviations. If people cannot understand your post then it becomes meaningless and will negatively affect the learning of others.
- Do not use abbreviations. Type out the entire word unless the abbreviation is given to you by the teacher as part of the course vocabulary.
- Proofread your posts to ensure you have good spelling, grammar & punctuation.
- Reflect critically on what you are about to post. Only post information if it will promote in-depth learning.
The Benefits of an Online Discussion Board
Online discussions have many benefits for learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Discussions can:
- Help build a classroom community by promoting discussions related to course topics.
- Allow students to reflect on their ideas before posting to the Online Discussion Board.
- Allow English Language Learners more time to compose their thoughts before participating in the discussion.
- Help students respectfully debate a point of view to develop a deeper understanding of a particular topic.
- Help students develop their critical thinking skills and English writing skills.
Can you think of any other reasons that an Online Discussion Board could be beneficial to your own learning or the learning of others? Compose your comments and, review them, and then share them on the Online Discussion Board for this class.
Online Discussion Board Problems
While online Discussion Boards can be a great tool for building a supportive classroom community by allowing students a way to share their ideas with their classmates; however there are some common problems that we need to avoid.
- Sometimes you may misunderstand the directions for a task, project, or discussion topic. If you are not sure what you need to do you should ask for clarification. Asking questions is always a good thing.
- Sometimes a post can get off topic. Always review your comments before making a post. If you think the post does not benefit the learning of others then it will not be appropriate for the online discussion board.
- Sometimes students do not participate or wait until the very last minute to make a post their ideas. Posting allows you to share ideas with your peers, and develops your English reading and writing skills.
- Sometimes you may not feel a sense of connection with your classmates. Keep in mind that the more you participate the more inclusive the class will become. Online Discussions Boards are great if you are shy because you can take your time to compose your post so you can say exactly what you want to say.
- Sometimes students make inappropriate posts, or respond negatively to others’ ideas. Disrespectful comments, or flaming, discourage others from participating and negatively impact the learning of everyone. Always be respectful of others.
Key Terms – Mastering Online Discussion
| English | PinYin | 中文 |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation (s) | Suōxiě | 缩写 |
| Apps | yìngyòng chéngxù | 应用程序 |
| Asynchronous Learning | yìbù xuéxí | 异步学习 |
| Debate (ing) | biànlùn | 辩论 |
| Forms (Online Discussions) | lùntán | 论坛 |
| Online Discussion Board | zàixiàn tǎolùn qū | 在线讨论区 |
| Participation | cānyù | 参与 |
| Personal Blogs | gèrén bókè | 个人博客 |
| Post (s) | lùntán yánlùn | 论坛言论 |
| Reflect Critically | pīpàn xìng fǎnsī | 批判性反思 |
| Repost (ing) | chóngxīn fābù | 重新发布 |
| Response | xiǎngyìng | 响应 |
| Responding | xiǎngyìng | 响应 |
| Social Media | shèjiāo méitǐ | 社交媒体 |
| wēixìn | 微信 | |
| Flaming | biǎnyì pínglùn | 贬义评论 |
Additional Vocabulary – Other Important Words
| English | PinYin | 中文 |
|---|---|---|
| Compose (ing) | Gòusī | 构思 |
| Ideas | xiǎngfǎ | 想法 |
| Irrelevant | wúguān | 无关 |
| Learning | xuéxí | 学习 |
| A Negative Effect | xiāojí xiàoguǒ | 消极效果 |
| Opinions | guāndiǎn | 观点 |
| Learning Platform | xuéxí píngtái | 学习平台 |
| A Positive Effect | jījí xiàoguǒ | 积极效果 |
| Respectful | zūnzhòng de | 尊重的 |
Sample of Student Responses
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