Teaching with Online Discussion Boards: MicroCPD Transcription

The Covid19 pandemic has significantly impacted place and delivery mode within Higher Education teaching. 

We have all had to explore alternative methods of delivering teaching and supporting learning. 

One robust tool that has a long and successful history of use and underpinning scholarly research is the online Discussion Board. 

Discussion board activities can offer a variety of peer learning opportunities. Students not confident to speak out face to face, may often be more willing to contribute online.

Discussion boards can support inclusion by providing thinking time before contribution and providing a place to practice writing skills in a more informal way.

Great discussion board activities don’t just happen - they require careful and purposeful activity design.

You need to

• Create a clear and engaging introduction or hook
• provide one or two clear trigger questions
• and ensure you finish with clear expectations for engagement.

Expectations can include:

• online attendance requirements
• required netiquette
• the type, length and number of contributions required
• and discussion of the time-lag phenomenon.

Finally we'd encourage you to access the Remote Teaching Resource for further support.