In other words, course goals and objectives should guide the design of your course rather than technology (Aycock, Garnham, & Kaleta, 2002). Sands’ first principle for developing a blended course is to “work backward from the final course goal…to avoid a counterproductive focus on technology.”
This cached article from the University of Alabama highlights the objectives of discussions and gives practical examples, ideas, and resources for engaging online ice breakers. As instructors, sometimes we need a fresh idea on how to engage students in discussions!
Are students engaged? Have course objectives been met? What are students thinking? You won't know unless you ask. With its wide variety of survey types ranging from peer and self-evaluations, student evaluation of faculty, and faculty of student, CoursEval™ users can ask questions vital to the improvement of teaching and learning.
This is from Edutopia and offers some very well thought out/organised ways of managing or facilitating different types of online discussions. It provides strategies for certain types of objectives, as well as examples for different content areas.