ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the different types of discussion boards, their uses and benefits, and strategies for increasing participation and collaboration. Discussion boards offer several unique benefits to students. Traditional academic discussion boards allow students to respond to curriculum-related prompts. Expectations for discussion boards can vary from course-to-course and instructor-to-instructor. Moderating an online discussion board is a delicate dance that is fundamental to online course management. Peer facilitation promotes shared collaboration around learning goals, one of the core components of community. Instructors who are looking to take their moderating or peer facilitation activities to the next level might consider role play as a strategy for managing discussions. The chapter reframes asynchronous learning in ways that are important for administrators to consider. It highlights the high degree of planning, preparation, and coordination needed to create an asynchronous course that is interactive.
