1. Asynchronous Online Discussions: What Works
Dorothy Fuller
Black Hills State University

2. Why do you use online discussions?

3. Most Common Goals Establish a social presence Foster critical thinking
Support group work
Monitor participation in assigned readings
Keep track of attendance

4. What are you biggest problems with online discussions?

5. Greatest Disappointments
Evaluation & feedback very time-consuming
Participants post, but don’t discuss
Too many messages, too little substance
Messages are off topic or dissolve into informal chats
Everyone waits until the last hours to post

6. What are your secret weapons?

7. Some Solutions Know what you want to accomplish
Make grade values reflect importance relative to other course activities
Clarify goals and protocols with participants
Provide examples of high, basic and unacceptable quality postings
Provide recommended structure and responsibilities for group work

8. Please visit my Poster Session to continue our discussion

9. Contact Information
Dr. Dorothy Fuller Black Hills State University Spearfish, SD