Susan Polick

Hi Denise - Thanks for your post to the forum. Creating a community of learners in the online environment is always a challenge. Being able to get students active on the discussion boards is definitely the key! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan

Denise Erickson

I also am an online instructor. I introduce questions to the weekly discussion board that are meant to start a conversation about specific concepts or assignments that we are currently working on or things that will be on quizzes or exams. It makes the board more interesting and gives students a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and learn from each other. It seems to work well.

Susan Polick

HI Don- Thanks for your post to the forum. Moving the focus to try to get your students to share personal experiences is always a good strategy. Questioning skills,I think, is an ever evolving thing.

Don Haninchick

One of the keys to on-line discussions is to participate as a facilitator, often times this from my own personal experience has led to some ineffective dialogue. Instructors need to intervene and do everything possible to get the discussion topics back on track...

Stacie Clarke

You are absolutely correct. I tend to take questions from that week’s particular assignment and use them in a poll throughout my chat sessions with my online classes. I think it’s fun and very insightful for students; it’s like playing jeopardy online. You provide the answer, and they give you the question.

Susan Polick

Hi Kristen - Thanks for your post to the forum and a great suggestion for using CATs in our online classes! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan

Mark Chapman

Creating a quiz on what is assumed knowledge as they enter 1st day will let you and students know how to move forward.