If you have never seen the "Blockbuster Offers a Glimpse of Movie Renting Past", it is a great (and funny) piece that promotes some great conversations on how quickly things can become obsolete:
I have decided to blog my notes on this module as a way of reflection. As I prepare for 2012 and the development of blended learning environment, with a mix of face to face and online learning, I need to be aware of my purpose, my design and my delivery.
Cultivating a classroom community where substantive discussions like this can happen is challenging work -- it's an ongoing process that takes time. But online discussion activities are one great way to give your students a leg up; use them as scaffolding for the "real" thing. Plus, the ability to engage in online discourse responsibly is a great 21st-century skill in and of itself.