Discussion

Discussion is an important tool in the learning process. In a face to face setting students will use discussion to formulate ideas, build knowledge, and generally ‘bounce’ off each other. Therefore it is important to build a space for this into your learning design.

In terms of moving discussion activities online, there are a number of good options for both asynchronous and synchronous discussion.

Asynchronous

– Discussion forums (on the relevant VLE)

– Microsoft Teams

– Padlet (an online post-it board)

Synchronous

– Break out rooms (Zoom)

– Team channels (Microsoft Teams)

– Other social media apps

Top tips

For discussion activities to gain traction, and to keep students engaged, having defined guidelines, questions and points to focus on helps. Wooly, vague threads tend to peter out quite quickly.

In live sessions, facilitators that take an active role, moving in and out of break out rooms report better engagement from students **

Adapted from UCL ABC Framework