Examples of communication forums.
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Forum

Discussion Thread

Student Post

"Using Blackboard to Extend Conversations Beyond the Classroom"

Matt Samra
English Instructor

Project Description
I teach a number of reading-intensive courses in which students are expected to add to the discussion of material.  In a class with two dozen or more students, it's often challenging to have every opinion or interpretation get air time in a 75 minute time slot.  Blackboard's discussion forum allows me to hear from all of my students--not only on the day of a class, but between and before class meetings.  Since writing and literature are open to multiple perspectives, I encourage students to use this on-line forum to ask questions, post reactions, and continue the ongoing dialogue that makes the study of literature so rewarding.

Targeted Course

• ENGL 151 - Freshman Composition
• LITE 105 - Introduction to Literature
• LITE 223 - Shakespeare
• LITE 285 - The Novel as History

Materials Produced

• discussion board dialogue
• archives of previous conversations

Instructional Goals

• encourage participation from reserved students
• incorporate student input when designing lesson plans
• provide non-graded writing opportunities
• build a sense of community
• level the "playing field" for all participants

Technologies Used

• Blackboard's Discussion Board tool

Resources Used

• no additional resources are necessary

Last updated May 28, 2003
learntec@kellogg.edu