Tailoring Discussions to the Asynchronous Environment
This session was presented by Scott Dinho, Instructional Designer for e-Learning at Savannah College of Art and Design. Mr. Dinho began with documentation showing that the southeastern accrediting agency, SACS, mandates "appropriate interaction (synchronous or asynchronous) between instructor and students and among students is reflected in the design of the program and its courses, and in the technical facilities and services provided. This is reinforced by SACS with further language in the "Best Practices for Electronically Offered Degree and Certificate Programs.
Seven "factors" were presented and discussed relative to running meaningful asynchronous discussions:
- Purpose - Clearly defined objectives and outcomes.
- Relevance - Discussion should be critical to student learning.
- Prerequisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meaningfully participate in the discussion.
- Controversy - If a "right" answer is available then there is very little to discuss. There needs to be room for dissenting viewpoints.
- Organization - The instructions, guidelines, formatting, etc. needed to conduct the discussion.
- Facilitation - The faculty's role in running the discussion; teacher centered or student centered.
- Time - Expectations need to be clearly stated and realistic.
A rubric was presented for evaluating/scoring discussion prompts (questions). Each factor can be scored Full (4), Partial (2), or No (0), and there is space for comments. 28 are possible for any given prompt but 23was recommended as an acceptable cutoff line.
Here's an example of what Mr. Dinho scored a 28 discussion prompt:
Think of your three favorite colors. By noon Wednesday, US EST/EDT, post a a list of these colors and compare them to lists provided by your classmates.
After comparing the lists, consider how personal color preferences may impact your ability to choose a color scheme that your clients will enjoy. Share your thoughts on this issue and respond to at least one of your classmates' ideas throughout the remainder of this lesson.
Conclusion:
- Discussion are an important part of an asynchronous course.
- The same factors affect all discussions.
- Asynchronous discussions have different needs than synchronous.
- Any discussion prompt may be vastly improved by addressing how the discussion is affected by these factors.
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