Educational Advantages of a Course with on-line discussion Tools

Five Specific Educational Advantages of a course with on-line Discussion Tools

1. Discussion is enhanced as increased student motivation and participation. Students can respond at their own pace.
2. Threaded discussion areas allow multiple perspectives to be posted.
3. Students are more confident to "speak up". Also no distractions as apparent in a typical classroom.
4. Enhances higher order thinking by exposure to multiple opinions and perspectives.
5. Physical location is not an issue.

Asynchronous Learning Environments : Key Issues

• Ensure Access - Give students "non assessable" tasks to ensure no problems in establishing communication.
• Group Dynamics - no more than 7 in a group (Karen Peters) Clear expectations and guidelines need to be developed.
• Content - may need to be tailored to optimise use of online technology.
• Workload - Tendency amongst staff to overload on-line students.
• Training - All TAs (teaching assistants) should have adequate training.
• Evaluation - Utilise student feedback. Ensure alignement with learning outcomes.