Each month a faculty member, nominated by their dean, is recognized for their efforts to integrate innovative technology into their classroom. This month, the featured digital faculty member is Denise Hill, associate professor of practice in public administration. Read an interview between Denise and ITS.

In what context do you use this technology?

I use online discussion boards to support active team-based learning, higher level learning, and as a means of assessing student learning objectives and program competencies. I use them regardless of delivery format. At the end of this article is a PDF link to examples of discussion questions I have utilized for online learning community discussion forums. NOTE: I have only taught at the graduate level, so cannot personally speak to use of online discussion forums at the undergraduate level.

In what course(s) do you use this technology?

I started utilizing online discussion forums in 2005. Over the years, I have witness what a powerful learning tool they can be in a variety of courses, delivery formats, programs, or subject matters. Since that time, I have utilized asynchronous online team-based discussion boards in nearly every course I have taught.

What type of technology (hardware/software) do you use?

The primary technology needed is a basic learning management system (LMS) equipped to effectively host discussion forums, link to teams, review, and grade discussion forums.

How does this type of technology align with your teaching pedagogy?

While I come from a practice background, I believe it is important to be grounded in theory and pedagogy in order to successfully establish an effective learning environment and accurately assess student learning.

• I am a proponent of team-based learning and utilize learning community teams in nearly all of the courses I teach. Not only does the literature support the effectiveness of learning communities but I have witnessed first-hand how they have enhanced learning for my students across settings.
• Discussion contributes to team learning. As noted by Brookfield (2005) “Discussion is one of the most effective ways to make students aware of the range of interpretations that are possible in an area of intellectual inquiry” (p. 22) and to appreciate the contributions of others.
• Online discussion forums afford the instructor a better opportunity to assess students’ abilities to meet course and program objectives.
• Some students are more willing/comfortable sharing in the online setting than they would be in the classroom.
• I typically use semester-long online learning community teams. This is particularly valuable in online courses because it builds a social presence for students who may never meet in person.
• Students involved in team-based online discussion forums are also able to observe how other students analyze issues and communicate.
• Online discussion forums encourage students to celebrate diversity of people and perspectives.

What are lessons learned you want to share with other instructors?

Here are a few recommendations I would share with other faculty considering online discussion forums:

• Teams are best for most courses. In my experience team size should be 5-7 students when possible.
• Take a “less is more” approach. I typically assign two online discussion forums in face-to-face and blended courses and for online-only courses I have 3-4 online discussion forums.
• Pacing is important. If possible, students should have enough time to learn and reflect on material before the due date for their initial post.
• Ask good discussion questions/develop effective discussion forum assignments. Use open-ended questions requiring members to think and explain their rationale, if possible by responding to a practice-based situation. See examples at the end of this article.
• The instructor should review posts during the discussion week and post follow-up questions. Members may need to be pushed to back up their statements by explaining their logic and sharing evidence and experiences.

Where did you get the inspiration to make a change (colleague/seminar/administration/etc.)?

I started using online discussion forums when teaching my first online course. I started using learning community teams because I was a co-author on a book regarding legal and ethical issues associated with learning communities. Both student satisfaction and learning assessments went up dramatically after I started utilizing them.

How long did it take for you to implement this technology?

It was less difficult than I thought it would be, especially once I figured out the LMS functions. Every year I learn new lessons I can apply to improve my use of teams and discussion forums. I have found student feedback (during and after the term) to be valuable in my quest for continuous improvement.

Examples of discussion questions

Are you interested in trying out new technology in your classroom? Want help from ITS staff? Schedule a technology adoption consultation.   

—Erin Ulrich, CPHS, and Carla Herling, ITS