Adding Value to the Discussion: Deep Engagement, Productive Participation and Effective Learning in an Online Course

Abstract

One tool that is ubiquitous to online courses is the Discussion, but many faculty

are dismayed to find that their students' discussions lack energy, focus, and depth.

We developed a strategy in a 100% asynchronous course that offers students

ownership of their discussions, leads them to draw from their own experiences

as well as class resources, and engages them with the content and with each

other. The result is deep engagement evidenced by sustained conversations that

are largely student-driven, interaction beyond the discussion assignment, and

productive solutions to the scenarios presented to them.