One of the principal tools for stimulating active learning in the virtual classroom is the discussion forum. However, making discussions work is challenging. Across North America professors are innovating with the stale summary approach. Mark Lieberman highlights some of the main challenges that transform the discussion board into mindless drudgery.
Mark Lieberman, “Discussion Boards: Valuable? Overused? Discuss.” Inside Higher Ed, May 22, 2020.
https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2019/03/27/new-approaches-discussion-boards-aim-dynamic-online-learning
What best practices have you used to stimulate active discussions? Share some of your experiences and best practices in terms of designing discussion activities, setting student expectations and serving as moderator.