Luma Connections #26: Managing Discussion Posts
Collaboration and connection are important for our social-emotional well-being. Importantly, Luma has conducted research and published the benefits for creating learning communities remotely. This year, Luma will provide specific strategies you can implement to connect learners remotely. We are calling these strategies our Luma Connections.
Teaching Tool: Discussion Board
This is an online tool that allows learners to interact with each other to explore a topic and to discuss key concepts and concerts, share experiences, interact with each other, and to ask questions. Interactions are not in real-time and can be mentor-learner and learner-to-learner.
Tip:Managing Discussion Posts
Reading and responding to discussion posts can feel overwhelming, especially with larger groups. However, there are strategies for managing responses to avoid burnout, while still building community and relationships with learners.
Here are some tips for managing discussion board posts:
Be strategic. Rather than aiming for one discussion board post a week, focus on creating one relevant and engaging post per eNugget®. This will also allow learners time to process, post, and respond to peers. Note: for class building posts, focus on creating a few worthwhile posts and spreading them throughout the timeline of the course to maintain engagement and avoid discussion fatigue.
Use groups. Divide learners into discussion groups and have learners collaborate within their groups on a message to post to the main discussion board. You can keep the groups the same throughout or change up. You can also assign randomly or by project groups.
Post discussion summaries. Rather than respond to individual posters, create a post that summarizes the discussion and acknowledge learner contributions.
Did you know?
Luma® is an instructional design and learning company that can help you connect learners remotely while creating powerful learning communities. Give us a call at (574) 807-8148 ext 5 or email info@learnwithluma.com.
