Discussion Boards and their ApplicationCurriculum Teaching and Technology

EDD 7914 CRN 22065by

Darcel Gardner, Deltrye Holt, Francisco Jimenez, Tamecia Scott

What are Discussion Boards?Discussion boards are:

Software programs Asynchronous conversations Synchronous conversations Online environment.

Discussion forumsElectronic bulletin boardsVirtual conference areas.

How are Discussion Boards used? Allows people to post messages.Reply to messages in a online

environment. Allow for the posting of audio files, text

files, video files, and images. Promote ongoing communication.

Extending Face-to-Face Discussions

Initial post in Desire2Learn learning management system

User-Interface for Replying to a Post

Building a Learning Community

Encouraging Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Connecting clinical practicum using discussion boards

Platform (Moodle)Critical thinking and Problem SolvingCase study example: You must perform a blood draw on Kelly, a 3-year-old girl who is accompanied by her parents and her 6-year-old brother. The child is visibly frightened by the prospect of the blood draw. What are some of the steps you can take to ensure that this procedure goes smoothly?

Students response

Discussion board and clinical practicum

• Evaluations of Discussion board

• Demonstrations are embedded in discussion boards

• Reinforcement to hands on learning

Discussion Board supporting a Book StudyDiscussion boards were used to lead a school wide

book studyThe school engaged in a formal book study to

promote a change in educational practices.Teachers became members of a group using Moodle

as a secure platform.School members we required to read a book and

post their own views on the book.In addition, school members were required to

respond to 3 additional post.Teachers received Continuing Education Credits and

bonus points on their annual evaluation.

Sample of a Threaded Discussion

Results of the Book StudyThe staff improved their collegial professional

communication .The staff involved with the project promoted

the use of best practices within their classroom.

Those practices permeated to other staff members and increased the number of participants in the group.

Student results on standardized test increased.

The staff was much more unified as a result of the ongoing professional discussion.

Advantages of Discussion BoardsAsynchronously and synchronous

communicationOngoing dialogue and collaborationIncreased accountability Immediate feedback Critical thinking, problem solving, and

knowledge construction. Independent of locationOnline learning community

Disadvantages of Discussion BoardsEncouraging people to participate.

Lack technology skills Intimidated by technologyLack content knowledge

Access to technology and softwareTechnical issues and supportSoftware version

Discussions lack directionTeacher/ student focus

References Chan, C. K. K. & Chan, Y. Y. (2011). Students' views of collaboration and online participation in

Knowledge Forum. Computers & Education, 57(1), 1445-1457.

Chou, P. (2012). Teaching strategies in online discussion board: A framework in higher education. Higher Education Studies, 2(2), 25-30.

Gao,F.,Zhang,T., Franklin,T., (2013) Designing asynchronous online discussion environments; Recent progress and possible future directions. British Journal of Educational Technology, 44 3, 469-483.

  He, P. (2012, April). Evaluating students online discussion performance by using social network

analysis. In Information Technology: New Generations (ITNG), 2012 Ninth International Conference on (pp. 854-855). IEEE.

Northover, M. (2002). Online discussion boards-friend or foe? Ascilite, 477-484.

Ochoa, S. F., Pino, J. A., Baloian, N., Antunes, P., & Herskovic, V. (2012, October). Some observations from the analysis of an online discussion board. In Systems, Man, and Cybernetics (SMC), 2012 IEEE International Conference on (pp. 1280-1285). IEEE.

Walker, K., Curren, M. T., Kiesler, T., Lammers, H. B., & Goldenson, J. (2013). Scholarly networking among business students: Structured discussion board activity and academic outcomes.