Digital discussion environment encourages and allows each student to express his or her thoughts when answering and open-ended questions. The response can also require the student to respond to the answer of one other student withing the discussion group. By hosting online discussion, the online engagement encourages students to use writing to voice their opinions and to develop arguments in defense of their interpretations. Furthermore, online discussions encourages student-centered learning.
Studies have shown that students already enteract social through digital environments, so why not captivate this modeum and require students to express their thoughts and to enteract to others' responses in a classroom sitting. The relevancy of digital discussions is paramount because the business world today is structured around synchronous discussions in a business setting.
Another avenue for online discussion is asynchronous online discussions, which allows a student time to carefully consider his or her thoughts and insight to respond to an open-ended questions or to respond to another's discussion or to formulate an open-ended question. Online discussions require the student to develop critical thinking skills and requires thought-provoking responses. Moreover, it allows the teacher to become more of a facilitator and less of an instructor---requiring the students to become active learners----something I hope to foster this year.
However, this employment of this online learning environment comes pitfalls that must be addressed: risks of online exposure---which can be minimized by requiring using sites that are password protected, "netiquette", and wellingness to allow others to express their ideas.
Technology is moving rapidly, and I am struggling to stay afloat---but certainly not willing to allow myself to drown---thus, I am willing to try to stay somewhat abreast with some of the digital tools available.
Inspired by an Earthworm
14 years ago
you are equipped w/ a beautimous life jacket: your sunny disposition and your gritty determination!! I know you'll make this happen in the classroom. :D
ReplyDeleteYou also bring up a brilliant point: asking open ended questions is vital to a healthy discussion, on-line or not.
"Moreover, it allows the teacher to become more of a facilitator and less of an instructor---requiring the students to become active learners----something I hope to foster this year."
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really strong point. digital writing allows us to remove ourselves from the "sage on stage" role and enables us to have a more authentic, inquiry-based and collaborative learning environment.