This is a training resource, which includes strategies to facilitate highly interactive online discussions in both hybrid and entirely online courses. Traditional classroom discussions are limited by class size and time, and even online discussions can suffer from a lack of depth, quality, and participation. However, all of these limitations can be overcome by employing a set of proven asynchronous communication strategies that encourage professional technical students to fully and actively participate in thoughtful and insightful online discussions. These strategies can be adapted to both hybrid and online professional technical courses at Spokane Falls Community College with this training resource, which carefully walks instructors through developing, managing, and assessing online discussions. In addition, workshops can be offered, covering these communication strategies.

Objectives:
Instructors will be able to design and construct online discussion forums, which require students to use critical thinking skills to achieve course outcomes.

Instructors will be able to facilitate online discussion forums, using Socratic questioning techniques to ensure students attain course outcomes.

Instructors will be able to manage online discussion forums, using conduct rules to create a virtual environment conducive to the achievement of student outcomes.

Instructors will be able to use effective grading criteria to encourage frequent high quality participation to achieve course outcomes

Instructors will be able to create and manage online student groups that facilitate virtual learning communities dedicated to attaining course outcomes.

Implementation Stages:

1. Developing Online Discussions
2. Managing Online Discussions
3. Assessing Online Discussions
4. Working with Online Groups

Spokane Falls Community College
Prepared by Charlene Barker and Donald I. Barker