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Why might I use a discussion board?

Online discussions are often seen as a component of distance learning, however they can also be useful for on-campus enhancement in a variety of ways including:
  • providing preparatory materials for seminar work, in order to optimise class time
  • extending time for discussion beyond scheduled class time to allow for reflection and further comment
  • requiring students to move beyond listening in a lecture, engaging them in critical debate on the topic
  • providing an outlet for students to pose questions and receive feedback, not only from the instructor but also from other participants
  • allowing students to share information or references with each other (book reviews, websites etc)

Last Modified: 2 August 2010