I recently started using BOX at work, and the collaboration that it allows is very powerful. I now see that some educational institutions are using it for this as well. If you have used it in an educational setting, I would like to hear about your experiences. Thanks,
"Purplemath's algebra lessons are written with the student in mind. These lessons emphasize the practicalities rather than the technicalities, demonstrating dependable techniques, warning of likely "trick" questions, and pointing out common mistakes. The lessons are cross-referenced to help you find related material, and a "search" box is on every page to help you find what you're looking for.
I am using VoiceThread for students to create digital stories to share about their research projects. Other students will peer review, comment, and write a reflection. Use VoiceThread Search Box terms "online teaching" to find Projects created for Online Courses.
Students hate discussion boards and mostly feel like they don't get anything out of them. They go into check box mode and real dialogue is lost. How can we fix them?
I agree we need to improve discussion boards. I like smaller groups. I have also found in my courses that the students usually are more engaged when I am engaged with them first.
I also struggle keeping students engaged in discussion boards. I think allowing them some autonomy on choosing their selected topic and/or allowing the post to be completed in various ways helps.
The article title made me do a double-take! The links for article that provide more direction for improving discussion boards are great! Discussion boards can be so useful, but if not done properly can definitely lead to frustration and/or poor quality of postings by students. Examples and rubrics really help to clarify expectations. I would love to find a way to create a discussion board that helps students feel more connected to me and their peers.
Glad you all got some use from it. It's a sensationalistic title, but it's something I thought about often as a student. We don't discuss in discussion boards - we write polite, well cited essays and respond to other essays. I'm definitely in favor of rethinking how we do student engagement - discussion boards really could be wonderful, but in most of my experiences as a student they were really lack luster. As an instructor, I'm not sure mine are really much better! I keep tinkering trying to do better.
I used discussion board for 2 full semesters. I received feedback from my students in both ways: course reflection and my performance evaluation. The feedback was very positive. The assignment for the discussion boards would include an actual company with specific operations (inventory, quality, process design, etc.). Students were free to answer any questions and required provide a feedback to at least one of the classmates answer. Students felt connected to their classmates, shared different views, had an opportunity to learn from each other.
The title is a bit misleading but some of the recommendations discussed can definitely spark some life into DBs. DBs are a good way to foster engagement but unless properly done can mostly be seen by students as a one and done exercise.
