One of the most important areas in an online classroom is the discussion area. Although MOOCs may generate the majority of attention right now, they often lack the important interactive nature that degree-based online classrooms include. Many students may initially be intimidated by forced discussions. However, in my experience, even introverts tell me, that they find the interaction much less stressful than traditional classroom discussions.
Discussions are so important in online classes because they usually are the main way that ideas get exchanged. Traditional classrooms often rely on lectures to disperse information. In the courses I took for my traditional degree, there was no exchange of ideas between the students and the professor. Professors lectured at us. Although this may have changed since I was in school, I often hear others claim they experienced the same thing.
This exchange of ideas in online discussion areas is important because everyone participates. The instructor usually posts at least two discussion questions per week. These discussions help expand upon any videos, reading material, PowerPoint presentations, or other information that students were required to read during that week. Students are often asked to include examples from their work experience. Some students may not have any work experience but can draw on examples from research.
The end result is a lively discussion and debate about important topics. Students get to read about real-world examples. There is more than just theory. Students’ descriptions help paint pictures of how things really occur in the workplace and not just how they are supposed to occur. Instructors often ask follow-up questions to get students to use their critical thinking skills.
What I like about the discussion board is that it is open to every student. If someone posts a response to a question, everyone can see it. Everyone can also respond to it. It is not simply restricted to a back and forth conversation between the instructor and a student. It is more like a chat room where everyone may get involved.
Because there are certain minimum posting and participation requirements, students often respond to things that they might not have responded to in a traditional classroom setting. This may push a few people outside of their comfort zone. However, because the classes I teach are asynchronous, this allows students the time to formulate their responses. This may take off some of the pressure that they might have experienced in a traditional classroom.
MOOCs may offer some wonderful information. However, the sheer size of them limits the ability for this kind of intimate discussion. Degree-based, smaller online courses have the advantage of this exchange of ideas. Use of discussion boards are just one of the things that I believe make online learning one of the most beneficial ways to learn.
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