We’ve shared several resources recently focusing on active learning strategies and activities for classes that meet face-to-face in a physical location. What about classes that don’t meet face-to-face or only meet a handful of times during a semester? Is it possible to incorporate active learning opportunities into fully online or hybrid courses?

The answer is…yes! One active learning strategy that can be very effective within an online course is the incorporation of discussions forums. Well constructed questions that connect to course/learning objectives can facilitate engaged and purposeful discussion among the instructor and students.

Check out the links below to view a three-part blog series (written by Debbie Morrison) focusing on online course discussions including ideas for creating, facilitating, and grading.

Post 1 – How to get students to participate in online discussions
http://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/how-to-get-students-to-participate-in-online-discussions/

Post 2 – How to facilitate robust online discussions
http://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/how-to-create-robust-discussions-online/

Post 3 – The methods and means to grading student participation in online discussions
http://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/the-methods-and-means-to-grading-student-participation-in-online-discussions/