Fostering Meaningful Conversations and Critical Thinking Using Online Discussions
Teaching Tidbits Workshop Fall 2023
October 11, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location
Virtual Event
Calendar
Download iCal File
Overview
Asynchronous discussions can effectively foster student collaboration and engagement, but sometimes these conversations fall flat, with students merely agreeing with one another or making superficial conversation. In this workshop, we will discuss how to craft a successful discussion question prompt that encourages critical thinking, idea exchange, and meaningful conversation. We will review research and strategies for structuring successful online discussion that supports robust student engagement and active learning. Participants will have the opportunity to revise their discussion questions with their peers and will walk away with a plan to augment or improve their existing online discussion practices on Blackboard. Finally, we will review how VoiceThread, a UIC-supported EdTech tool, may help support student engagement through discussions that include videos, audio, and images.
After participating in this online workshop, you will be able to:
- Identify the features of discussion board prompts that support critical thinking, student engagement, and meaningful conversation
- Examine how Blackboard and VoiceThread support student learning through online discussions
- Design or revise a discussion board prompt that supports deep learning, student engagement, and ongoing discussion for your course
WORKSHOP FORMAT: This workshop will be online on Zoom.
EVENT LEAD: Maxine Frendel, mfrendel@uic.edu
EVENT CO-FACILITATOR: Sam Day, samday@uic.edu
Inclusivity & Accessibility Information: UIC is committed to full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of university life. CATE’s online events are delivered through Zoom and may include breakout rooms and group discussion. CATE’s in-person events typically involve a combination of presentation and discussion-based activities. We welcome ASL interpreters, note-takers, and accompanying assistants to all CATE events. If you have questions about access, such as parking or building layouts, or wish to request accommodations for our programming, such as real-time captioning (CART), ASL services, or obtaining event materials in alternative formats, please contact the event lead.
Date posted
Aug 9, 2023
Date updated
Aug 9, 2023