Responding to discussion board on a timely manner.
Is it important to respond to our students in a timely manner? Yes, definitely. Our students present their topic or answers to question and depend on the instructor to get a response. This demonstrates to the learner the instructor is interested,engaged in the learners success.
Amanda,
If the "guidance" is given in the open forum it must be above any interpretation of disresecting the "student in public." Just as it is with emails, a "tone" can often be read into the message that simply doesn't exist because of the receiver's frame of mind. When a student is being corrected in this forum (and may be put on the defense) it might be that the correction may not be able to be as complete as it should be. Many times it is just more efficient and accurate to correct in an individualized manner. Many instructors like to use the forum for more superficial topic exploration and discussion - - to expand on the curriculum, if you will. Some research demonstrates that the individualized components (e.g. assignments/feedback from instructor, exams, emails, individualized chats, etc.) of online instruction are the most effective for the attainment of the course objectives (i.e. learning).
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It's interesting that at our university different departments seem to take different approaches to the discussion board. Some say we should not "critique" at all on the discussion board. Others seem okay with a bit of "guidance."
Valerie,
Yes, very good point. Timely and accurate responses by the instrutor are foundational important to maximizing learning. The expectations need to be fully understood by the student and the teacher as to the means (e.g. phone, email, discussion, etc.) and timeframes (e.g. 24hrs, 48hrs, etc).
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I strongly agree. Students are expecting to get answers just as if they are in class. And they should. If the question board is not being monitored in a timely fashion, the student may be being held up in completing an assignment because of not understanding something that they are asking for clarification on.
John,
Agreed. Additionally, setting expectations for student-to-student engagement can help continue (and even expand the scope) of the discussion.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I find this to be very important. Recently due to a computer problem a day lapsed before I replied to two key posts and the students commented that I had not yet responded. This tells me that they are looking for the instructors feedback--more so that we may think.
I also think there is something unique about asynchronous discussion as opposed to in class discussion. It gives both the instructor and student time to think about what to say and reply--the discussion can often times be richer than in a real time class room. This is a strength of online teaching that should be taken advantage of
veronica,
You are so right. Modeling the behavior of the engaged can be a strong factor for some students to be engaged.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
