DIscussion Rubric
Online discussions are essential for many kinds of learning activities. The success of the activity is dependent on a solid design of the online discussion activities. In the book excerpt E-Learning by Design (Horton, W., Designing for the Virtual Classroom, E-Learning by Design). Copyright 2006, Horton provides us with guidelines for online discussion activities. Horton mentions six guidelines specifically related to learner success.
- Starting the discussion
- Preparing the learners to discuss
- Moderating the discussion
- Keeping the discussion lively
- Challenging shallow thoughts
- Handling inappropriate posts
Begin by re-reading Chapter 9, “Design for the Virtual Classroom” (pp. 463–471).
Focusing on the six guidelines above...
- Discuss how you plan to apply these guidelines to your next discussion activity.
- What are some of the challenges you may face in applying these guidelines to your discussion activities?
- How will you overcome these challenges?
By Wednesday:
Post your thoughts and discussion on this weeks discussion board. Be sure to cite resources used.
By Sunday:
Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings. As you read their responses, note those to which you would like to respond with advice, questions, comments, and/or encouragement.
Respond to two or more of your colleagues’ postings to ...
- Build on something your colleague said.
- Explain why and how you see things differently.
- Ask a probing or clarifying question.
- Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.
- Offer and support an opinion.
- Validate an idea with your own experience.
- Expand on your colleague's posting.
- Ask for evidence that supports the postings
Resources:
Book Excerpt: E-Learning by Design
(Horton, W., Designing for the Virtual Classroom, E-Learning by Design). Copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons Inc. Used with permission from John Wiley & Sons Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.