Next Steps

Build an online discussion in Blackboard

The EdTech Center's Blackboard pages provide all of the information you'll need to begin using Blackboard, including instructions for Using the Discussion Board tool (pdf).

Read more about facilitating online discussions

The following links provide a variety of perspectives on online discussions.

• "Moderating Discussions in the Electronic Classroom" (Rohfeld and Hiemstra)
• "Moderating Educational Computer Conferencing" (Mason)
• "Eight Ways to Get Students More Engaged in On-line Conferences" (Klemm)
• "Successful Online Teaching Using An Asynchronous Learner Discussion Forum" (Rossman)
• "Moderating Educational Computer Conferences" (Paulsen)
• "The Role of the Online Instructor/Facilitator" by Zane L. Berge
• "On-line teaching and learning: New roles for participants" (Oliver)
• "Facilitation (Face-to-Face and On-Line)" (McNamara)
• "A Virtual Ropes Course: Creating Online Community" (Lowell and Persichitte)