In-class discussions and online discussions have each their own advantages and disadvantage. The chart below shows a list based on anecdotal evidence and supported by findings by Wang and Woo (2007), http://qywang.pbworks.com/f/Online_F2F.pdf.
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Face-to-face |
- Spontaneous
- Can see body language
- Can hear tone of voice
- Synchronous
- no permanent record of event for review unless it is recorded
|
- Little time to think through questions and responses
- Emotional expression could stifle blushers
- Shy individuals can get left out
- Outspoken or loud individuals can be over-bearing
- Time limits set in class could end a discussion prematurely.
|
| Online |
- Choice to think, proofread, and censor before posting
- Can hide emotions
- Asynchronous
- Time and place flexible
- Permanent record of event
- Shy individuals find it easier to contribute
- A discussion doesn’t have to end until you decide or the course ends.
|
- Can be misinterpreted
- Not necessarily spontaneous
- Outspoken or wordy individuals can be over-bearing
|
Whether you are planning for a face-to-face class or a blended class, it is important to consider a number of questions before you move your discussions online. Just because using an LMS (Learning Management System) such as D2L allows you to have online discussions, doesn’t mean that you necessarily should. Here are some questions:
- What are the issues that you are having with face-2-face discussions?
- Would moving your discussions online solve a particular problem?
- Can the problem be resolved in a different way in the face-to-face environment?
- How receptive will your face-to-face students to using online discussions?
Maybe discussions are not working due to the dynamics of the class or student personalities. Maybe you don’t have enough time to do a good job of a topic. Maybe emotions are getting in the way of having students express themselves honestly. Your experience in your class will give you those insights.
One concern with adding discussion online to a face-to-face class is that it can increase the cognitive load placed on students if you are simply added this activity without removing something else. (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_load).
Remember, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
If you decide that you want to use online discussions, the following websites provide some tips on what to consider when setting up your discussions.
http://www.designingforlearning.info/services/writing/ecoach/tenbest.html
http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=best_practices&article=59-1
http://www.eto.org.uk/discuss/rules.htm
Transitioning Face-2-Face discussions to online discussions. Why and why not?
In-class discussions and online discussions have each their own advantages and disadvantage. The chart below shows a list based on anecdotal evidence and supported by findings by Wang and Woo (2007), http://qywang.pbworks.com/f/Online_F2F.pdf.
Whether you are planning for a face-to-face class or a blended class, it is important to consider a number of questions before you move your discussions online. Just because using an LMS (Learning Management System) such as D2L allows you to have online discussions, doesn’t mean that you necessarily should. Here are some questions:
Maybe discussions are not working due to the dynamics of the class or student personalities. Maybe you don’t have enough time to do a good job of a topic. Maybe emotions are getting in the way of having students express themselves honestly. Your experience in your class will give you those insights.
One concern with adding discussion online to a face-to-face class is that it can increase the cognitive load placed on students if you are simply added this activity without removing something else. (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_load).
Remember, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
If you decide that you want to use online discussions, the following websites provide some tips on what to consider when setting up your discussions.
http://www.designingforlearning.info/services/writing/ecoach/tenbest.html
http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=best_practices&article=59-1
http://www.eto.org.uk/discuss/rules.htm