I love discussion boards -- class discussions are my favorite part of teaching. This unit had some helpful tips for facilitating community and conversation; but, I think one of the most valuable aspects of the unit was the idea that courses are constantly being evaluated and improved upon. I think that's key to an effective course and every time I teach a course, what happens in the discussions and other assignments reveal the strengths and weaknesses of that assignment. I can use this new knowledge to build upon the information I give to students to help them succeed. I can use this information to see what information discussions typically leave out that I feel is important, so that I can steer the discussion in that area. I think it is important for instructors to constantly view each session of a class as a learning experience for them as well as for their students.
Nancy Tosh
