Communicate 2 - Discussions

What role or purpose do discussion forums serve in the online classroom and are they effective? How do discussion forums function as a teaching tool? How could they be used effectively and ineffectively? What are some best practices for facilitating forums online?

Discussion forums are extremely effective in the online classroom and they serve as an active component in the mastery of skills and standards.
Discussion forums serve as a teaching tool by allowing the instructor to assess the students' knowledge and understanding of complex skills. They also require students to interact with the instructor and their fellow students. By actively participating in the online discussions, the instructor can guide the learners' thinking. 
Discussion forums can be used ineffectively when instructors do not take an active part in them.  Also, students need to know the expectations of participating in the discussion forum, like responding to at least two other students and providing a summarizing post. 
Discussion forums can be used effectively by adhering to some of the best practices for facilitating forums online, below.

-Respond to the first thread of all student responses and ensure that the post addresses the essential elements

-Highlight selections from the prompt, reading, or thematic focus of the student’s response in the initial feedback

-Integrate audio commentary in the response

-Link to external resources, readings, or websites for further study

-Rely on the Socratic Seminar in all Discussion Forums.