Fostering Deeper Discussions
This page focuses specifically on tips for improving asynchronous online discussions. Tips for improving synchronous discussions are covered in the pages on atmosphere and participation.
For a deeper dive into improving discussion boards, make sure you didn't miss the Using Discussions page in Module 2.
More Than Just Text
Discussion boards in Canvas can handle a lot more than just text. To avoid the format becoming stagnant, consider actively encouraging students to respond with video, audio, or images. You can also mix things up from week to week to let students shine in their medium of choice.
How: Find a few discussions where alternative media would serve student engagement better than text and include that in the discussion requirements.
Use the (Hidden) Discussion Rubric
Rubrics are a great way to convey expectations to your students before they submit work and are equally useful in helping faculty during the grading process. You can attach a rubric to a graded discussion board. Unlike assignments, however, Canvas makes it harder for students to actually find and view that rubric. Looking for a rubric? Check out our Discussion Rubric in Canvas Commons.
How: If you plan to use a discussion rubric, be sure to include a note to your students linking them to the guide "How do I view the rubric for my graded discussion? Links to an external site."
Bridge the Gaps
When mixing asynchronous work into a course that also meets synchronously there is often a big disconnect between the two. Connect online discussions with your overall course learning outcomes, course activities, and summative assessments. Online discussions can be a space for students to respond to course readings before having to apply concepts from the readings in later activities (group work, papers/projects, etc.).
How: Connect your discussion questions to your learning outcomes. During your live session, be sure to take time to pull up the Canvas discussion board and acknowledge and address the work done there.
Users Must Post Before Seeing Replies
In the classroom, the first student to raise their hand can often set the bar for the rest of the discussion and the instructor may have to spend a lot of time digging the class out. In online settings, this pattern has the chance to multiply rapidly since posts may happen while the instructor is sleeping. Thankfully, the Canvas discussion board has a feature option called "Users must post before seeing replies." This means that each student is unable to copy their peers, but instead must formulate their own thoughts into a response. Once submitted, the discussion board unlocks and they are able to see and respond to their peers.
How: When setting up your discussions, consider checking the box next to "Users most post before seeing replies Links to an external site.."