Build a sense of community.
This is very important to do in an online course. Many times students get to know each other better in an online or web enhanced course that uses the discussion board than they do in course that does not use the discussion board.
Allow for the integration of real-world experience with course materials.
The real-world experience can come from students, the instructor, or guest discussion board lecturers.
Tip: When planning student Interaction with subject matter experts line up guest lecturers and request guest account username and passwords so that when they participate in the discussion area their names will display.\
Provide students with increased access to the instructor.
Allow further exploration of topics of interest.
"The Teachable Moment" Allows instructors to provide additional instruction or encourage additional discussion and research
Provide a forum for inclusion of reference materials.
May provide a atmosphere in which quiet students may feel more comfortable responding than they do in a face-to-face class.
Have the potential to allow networking between students with similar interests.
If conducted properly, allow students to seek answers from their peers.
Allows students to be thoughtful and reflective in their responses.
Students have more time to reflect and summarize before posting a discussion posting.
Requires all students to respond instead of just the student who is called on in class.
Allows students to answer questions from peers, who can serve to solidify the conception in their own memories.
Allows more students to participate in course discussions than would be possible in a traditional classroom setting.
Middle Tennessee State University, in its educational programs and activities involving students and employees, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or age. Furthermore, the university does not discriminate against veterans or individuals with disabilities.
