Role of Discussion Facilitator: Encourage and guide the discussion Be clear about the purpose and expected outcomes of the discussion Encourage participants to respond to each other as well as to the facilitator Recognize participants via private and public messages Share information and resources and encourage others to do the same Create a welcoming environment Tie together the threads of the discussion and summarize it Enforce the discussion group ground rules, if necessary Keep the discussion focused on the topic Clarify the questions and comments of participants, if necessary Act as an unbiased, neutral commentator Participate regularly, actively and thoughtfully Ask leading questions; resist being too chatty Decide when to resolve conflict/hostile interaction