Synchronous Discussion Woes
My worries with synchronous discussion have to do with the nature of some of the topics we cover in Sociology. Issues pertaining to race, class, religion, cultural values, sexism, etc. are the focus in many intro courses. I find that students are more likely to write something hurtful than they are to say it out loud in a classroom filled with many different people. This can make a synchronous discussion go south quickly. I do use the "socializing" time at the beginning to remind students of the code of conduct.....but sometimes the lines get crossed in the heat of the discussion. Does anyone else have this problem?
Lilia,
If you ban them for future discussions how will they benefit academically? Is there another way? Could you just use the tools to disconnect their ability to add inappropriate comments to that one session and discuss "offline" with them later about what is acceptable and what is not?
Herbert Brown III
I think also clear netiquette standards prior to the discussion might be helpful. I believe that if you send them a rubric with items such as, for example, all students that participate will get ten points. However, if you use inappropriate comments points will be taken off and you will be banned from future discussions, losing those discussion points.
Thank you! That is great feedback and I appreciate your suggestion.
Lisa,
I have not had this problem, but I could see your issues based on your content area. With Synchronous tool "you" ultimately have control of the discussion. I know in Blackboard Collaborate you can set the number of simultaneous users. You could set that to 1-2, require students to electronically raise their hand, then let them state their point. If they start down a path that is inappropriate based on your code of conduct, cut them off (disconnect their mic) and bring the session back to where it belongs. Remind students that statements must be respectful or you will "pull the plug." Just a thought on using some of the features of a tool to direct the process.
Herbert Brown III
