Discussions Update
A New Way of Doing Things!
Get Ready! Get Set! Discuss!
If you've taken an online course before, you may notice that we are trying something different from the norm.
I want to try to use a new method instead of the the post-and-reply-to-two style discussions in which each person starts their own conversation and then replies to others.
My goal is to have exciting discussions that you find interesting and engaging. I've changed the discussion structure and style to help reach that goal. If you are new to online discussions, I think you will find these discussions to be interesting.
When you enter the discussions, you will see that I've already started a few discussion threads. Your job is to respond to these discussions to engage with your peers in a couple of these threads, to re-create some of the best classroom conversations by:
1) providing new information
2) using your critical thinking skills to examine the assigned readings and
3) applying what you learned to the discussion.
Do use terminology from the assigned readings in each post you make (put the terminology in bold, please). By having a few discussions, instead of one for each person, the discussions will be fresh and exciting throughout the week.
After one student replies to me, the rest of the students reply to each other. Read each other’s threads, add new material, and use name of person you respond to.
Remember, the goal of the conversation is to have a great conversation while you are learning about and applying the information you read about in text, videos or other readings. Notice that I ask many initial questions. These questions are there to inspire great conversation, not limit it.
Please don't answer every part of the question - leave some for others to respond to. I will ask further questions throughout the week, so jump down in the conversation if you've come in late - don't struggle to add something new to the beginning conversation when everyone has already said something. See my newer questions where I've redirected the conversation and respond to a classmate there. You can offer differing opinions and information...something you learned or an observation or thought you had while reading the posts.
Look to my posts as a model for what I am looking for. Not all posts are "perfect"---in fact most of mine are not, but there will be something of value in each one.
Please use each other's names: Use the name of the person you respond to and provide a brief summary of what you understand they said before sharing your point of view. Make at least three responses to your classmates each week.
See the rubric I posted to better understand my expectations of you and how you will be graded.
Finally, you will want to view the discussion in Grid View. Please follow the Grid View Instructions below to adjust your discussion settings.
Instructions for Setting Up "Grid View!"
Account Settings Instructions for Restructured Discussions - Viewing Your Discussions in Grid View
When the instructor starts the threads in your online discussions, you will want to view the discussions in threaded grid view. Please follow these instructions and share with your students.
Next to your name, in D2L BrightSpace, is a little dropdown arrow that allows you to view and change your account settings. Select Account Settings.
Once you are in Account Settings, click on the Discussions tab. Select the following radio buttons:
· Under Personal Settings, select Grid view as the Default View
· Under Grid View select Threaded
Under Reply Settings, unselect Include original post in reply. Since we will all be replying to each other and engaging in conversation, including others’ posts in your reply will become to cumbersome.
Don’t forget to Save and Close. (see screenshot below)
Discussion Rubric for Restructured Discussions
As I stated earlier, we will try this for two weeks. At the end of two weeks, we will discuss the results and determine whether or not we want to continue with the restructured discussions or if we want to go back to the "old" format. (This is NOT an 'executive decision' on my part. I will take into account your participation and your opinions before deciding how to proceed.)
I hope that you will find the restructured format interesting and engaging and that you will learn a LOT!
Discussions are where the "lion's share" of the learning occurs!