Helping Learners Get The Most Out Of Online Discussions by Mary Burns

Online discussions are the lifeblood of an online class. Without rich, ongoing discussions, learning is minimized. However, many online courses don’t help online learners understand how to post a new idea or response; the types of communications or posts that contribute to learning or share examples of good posts. As a result, online learners are often left to their own devices with many online discussions stalling or sinking to a level of mediocrity.

This article outlines some basic guidelines to help online learners create and participate in richer and more substantive online discussions.

Posting Etiquette or Basics

Because learners have grown up with technology, we (old folks like me!) often assume that our online students know more than they actually do about such issues as online etiquette and communication. Therefore, I would strongly recommend making Online Learning 101 (How to post online) a part of any online course. In so doing, you can help online learners focus on some basic--but key--areas in online communication.

• New Post/Responding to a Post.When introducing a new thought/concept/introduction, be sure to start by clicking "Add New Thread."
• Subject Line.The subject line is important. When starting a new thread, make sure to create a subject line that both clues in the reader and catches the eye of your audience.
• “Re”.When replying to a note, leave the "re:" portion of the subject line, but feel free to edit the subject line to express how you are extending the conversation. This way everyone can get a quick glance at the direction of the conversation within a thread without actually opening each posting.
• When to Post.In online course I've taught, I set a minimum number of posts per week (e.g., at least twice per session) that students must complete to receive credit for participation. The goal here is to advance the knowledge of the group and this comes from active conversation. Further, posts should adhere to the standards described in the next section.
• Whom to Address.Learners can have a conversation with everyone; with a few people or with one person. It’s important that they know who they are talking to—they might not want a private conversation to be shared with everyone. Similarly, they might want to share something with everyone, not just one person.
• Language.It's important that online learners write for the medium, that is, avoiding the kinds of shortcuts one would use for text messaging.

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