A blog is similar to a discussion forum, and uses the same tool in Canvas. Blogs allow students to post work for others to read, but do not always require others to comment or respond. An example of a blog would be students posting their final projects for other students to view.
Discussion forums are a way for students to share knowledge about a particular topic or scenario. This can help the instructor assess how students are applying the knowledge they are gaining to make connections with what they already know or what they see in the real world. Discussion forums also foster a sense of a learning community.
The key to a great discussion is asking a great question; if there is only one right answer, it's not a good discussion. Online discussions are often compared to traditional, face-to-face discussions where the instructor asks a question and a student (or a few students) responds. However, online discussions are actually evidence-based professional conversations. For example, asking "what is the difference between quantitative and qualitative research" is a good question for a face-to-face discussion, but does not allow enough variability for an online discussion.
Students AND instructors should be active participants in discussion forums. As the instructor, your comments to the students can help extend the conversation, clarify inaccurate points, and lead students to new knowledge. Students should post in a professional, respectful manner. If you feel a student is being inappropriate in a discussion forum, contact the student to constructively advise them of this, including the Academic Advisor and Program Chair on all communication. Offer suggestions for how the student could craft more collegial posts in course discussions.
Feedback in the discussion forum and in the grading comments is very helpful for students. However, comments like "Great post" and "Keep up the good work" have little value to students. Your feedback comments should be substantive and relative to the content of the posting.
Leading discussions
As an instructor, you should thoughtfully consider your role in discussion forums and make an effort to consciously fulfill that role. Generally, instructors are expected to regularly participate in discussion forums, without dominating the conversation. There are many roles that an instructor may assume within a discussion: participant, guide on the side, leader, lecturer, evaluator. While CGHS does not explicitly describe the instructor role within the discussion forums, the school strongly encourages the use of Socratic questioning to guide, motivate, and involve students in the discussion.
The CGHS course expectations for students state: "Expect to spend several hours engaged in professional and inquisitive dialog with your peers and instructor each week." If you wish students to post a specific number of times in a week, a specific number of days per week, or to have the first posting required earlier than Wednesday, please post that as part of your expectations in an early announcement.
