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	Using Discussion as a Learning Tool One of the new tools that you will begin to use is an asynchronous discussion forum. Asynchronous is defined as: Lack of temporal concurrence; absence of synchronism Simplified, this means that
you will discuss but at your own time, others will respond but at their own time as opposed to face-to-face communication where the interplay is instantaneous. This communication takes place in a virtual space. The good think is that you will have time to reflect on your response. Many of us have said things in the heat of a discussion that we later regret. In asynchronous discussion, the lag of time allows us to not only communicate but critically communicate. Critical Communication “I believe that all education proceeds by the participation of the individual in the social consciousness… I believe that the only true education comes through the stimulation of the child’s powers by the demands of the social situations in which he finds himself.” John Dewey The School Journal, Volume LIV, Number 3 (January 16, 1897), page 77. One of the most obvious differences between the traditional face-to-face classroom and the online class is the lack of personal interaction between class members in the virtual space. The Critical Dialogue Board is an attempt to meet that need suggested by John Dewey for a demanding social interface so that true education can take place. As you transition from the traditional to online classroom Exemplary Responses start with: I agree because... To add to what you said, consider... Yes, but in this circumstance... then... because... In this case, what matters is... which points to... I agree with X... but I've also heard Y... and so... I think ... except ... Specifically, "..." Exemplary Questions Include: Questions for Clarification: What do you mean by……. What is your main point? How does _____ relate to _____ ? Could you put it another way? What do you think is the main issue here? Let me see if I understand you: do you mean _____ or _____ ? Could you give me an example? Questions about the Initial Question or Issue How can we find out? What does this assume? Does this lead to other questions or issues? Questions that Probe: What are you assuming? How would you justify taking this for granted? Is this always the case? Why do you think the assumption holds here? Questions that Probe Origin or Source: Where did you get this idea? Have you been influenced by media? What caused you to feel this way? Questions that Probe Implications and Consequences: What are you implying by that? What effect would that have? What is the alternative? If this is the case, then what else must be true? Questions about Viewpoints or Perspectives: How would other groups of people respond? Why? Can anyone see this another way? What would someone who disagrees say? How could you answer the objection that _____ would make? Compiled by Richard Paul, in Critical Thinking: What Every Person Needs to Survive in a Rapidly Changing World (Rohnert Park, CA: Center for Critical Thinking and Moral Critique, 1990). See the Discussion Rubric Here The Format of Discussion The discussion board assignment consists of 6+ postings: 1. THREAD: Post a brief summary of the topic along with any URL’s that might be needed. 2. RESPONSE: Select and read one of the THREADS. Post a response under that     thread. Pick a thread that has not been responded to. You may respond to more than     one thread. 3. QUESTION: Read the threads and responses, ask a topic or article related question in at     least two different threads. Do not question a thread that has two questions already. 4. ANSWER: Respond to the questions ask in your THREAD and to the RESPONSE     you made. 5. SUMMARIZE: Return to your initial THREAD and summarize the discussion so far. How to Access the Discussion Forum An asynchronous discussion forum is divided up into Topics. Topics are defined by the instructor and have specific directions for posting in each. This is what the Topics screen might look like: Across the top are the headings topic, posts, pages, last post and Last Poster. These headings correspond to the topic defined by assignment, the total number of postings in topic, the total number of threads in the topic, the time and date of the last post and the user ID of the last poster. The topics in this case where: The Water Cooler, Gallery 1 and Gallery 2. From the list of Topics, click on the appropriate one in which you want to add to the critical discussion. This is the screen that you might see to show the threads of discussion: Gallery 1 was chosen as the topic to add critical discussion to. Inside the topic are the threads of discussion: very interesting!, very cool!, good job!, and wow! Click on a thread to join that discussion or scroll to the bottom to add a new thread: If you chose to start a new thread by clicking “new thread” this is the screen you would see: If you chose to add to an existing thread, click HERE Fill in the SUBJECT box with your subject text, be creative! Type your critical posting in the POST box. Type your username, your six digit ID number, in the username box. THERE IS NO PASSWORD, DO NOT TYPE A PASSWORD. The screen should look like this: Once you are satisfied with the content of your posting click the Preview/Post button at the bottom of the screen: Your critical posting will then be previewed: YOU MUST CLICK ON      TO POST YOUR MESSAGE! To add to and existing thread click on the thread you wish to select. You might see the following screen: These are all the critical postings already made on the thread, to add your own critical posting, scroll down to the bottom were you will see the posting area: Fill in the SUBJECT box with your subject text, be creative! Type your critical posting in the POST box. Type your username, your six digit ID number, in the username box. THERE IS NO PASSWORD, DO NOT TYPE A PASSWORD. The screen should look like this: Fill in the screen as you might have for posting a new critical post. Be sure to click on the after reviewing your post.
Readings: Creating Strong Contributions to Electronic Discussions California Education Dialogue