Schools using Connected.info are seeing a benefit to utilizing the Discussion Forum feature to extend the learning of certain lessons. Posing topics for discussion as homework instead of assigning work to be done as individuals has the effect of engaging students in the learning process in ways that traditional homework can not. Consider the forum topics below:
As students post their opinions on the discussion topics, they are leading other students to a better understanding of the lesson. As those other students respond, they are collaborating in a way which studies have shown results in increased learning. Moreover, these interactions are similar to the kinds of on-line interactions they will be having as adults. While it is natural for norms to develop in these interactions by themselves, the process of interacting presents instructors with opportunities to teach digital citizenship.
Creating a topic is simple and adding a response is also very simple. Students will see the following when they select a discussion topic:
By clicking Add Response, they will be able to type in their thoughts. Once they post a response, there are two possible workflow options. By choosing to moderate the posts by checking the box in the Info section of the group (see below), their response will show up in a list of responses for you to approve. Otherwise it will immediately post unless there is profanity in the post. Then, the post will be removed by the system and you will have a chance to delete it. Our experience has been that students will also regulate other students by flagging posts as objectionable if they know the flagging will be done anonymously. Both options provide instructors with the degree of control they need to feel comfortable.
Instructors using Connected.info report that they are seeing two measurable benefits from using Discussion Forums in this way. First, students who do not feel comfortable sharing their opinions in class are doing so online. Some teachers are reporting participation rates as high as 90% in the online forums. Second, the time devoted to lessons by students when online forums are used can be as much as a week or two beyond that of the in-class session. Increases in grades have not been measured as of yet, but early reports have also been positive.
We hope you will consider using the Discussion Forum feature of Connected.info to assist in your learning endeavors.
