How can there be discussions in an online course environment?
(Back to Top) Many students are initially skeptical about whether there can be meaningful online discussions of business cases and issues. In fact, most evidence shows that there is more, not less, discussion in online courses than in traditional classroom courses. The nature of that discussion may feel different, but it can be equally thoughtful and stimulating. Discussions online rely on asynchronous “threaded discussions,” where students post comments or questions in response to the professor and other students. Students can read and post comments any time during the day. The professor will monitor class discussions and interact as discussions progress. Discussions may also be held using synchronous “chat rooms.” Chat rooms require students to be online at the same time; however, a professor might schedule several times for chat so that all students can be expected to participate. Chat rooms can also be used by teams of students for working on team projects. In a traditional classro
(Back to Top) Many students are initially skeptical about whether there can be meaningful online discussions of business cases and issues. In fact, most evidence shows that there is more, not less, discussion in online courses than in traditional classroom courses. The nature of that discussion may feel different, but it can be equally thoughtful and stimulating. Discussions online rely on asynchronous “threaded discussions,” where students post comments or questions in response to the professor and other students. Students can read and post comments any time during the day. The professor will monitor class discussions and interact as discussions progress. Discussions may also be held using synchronous “chat rooms.” Chat rooms require students to be online at the same time; however, a professor might schedule several times for chat so that all students can be expected to participate. Chat rooms can also be used by teams of students for working on team projects.
