Using a SharePoint Discussion Board with

Differentiated LearnersDiscussing Current Events in an

Asynchronous Learning Environment

Intro to Current Events – sharing in class

SharePoint site and discussion boards

Accessing discussion board & posting

Linking news article and asking question

Monitoring discussion board

The Process

Implementing the Plan

The Discussion Board

Sample Responses – YIKES!

Responses – a little better

Learning Object

NETiquette:Discussion Board Etiquette

Expectations for Discussing Current Events Online

Survey Monkey – Initial Survey

Data Collection and Analysis

Student Reflections

Learning StatementsA summary of my reflections on what I

learned throughout the fall term

I am learning about collaborative technology tools to support constructivist learning in my classroom.

Students automatically assisted each other with their online tasks, freeing me up to be the facilitator of learning

The technology definitely assisted my differentiated learners as all students felt capable of accessing and contributing to my discussion board

I also need to make my presence known on the discussion board through regular responses to posts; this builds in a sense of accountability and redirects when necessary i.e. freedom with parameters (Vesely et al 2007; An et al 2009)

What I am Learning About Technology

I am learning that my struggle with digital literacy is connected to my need to feel in control as a teacher.

I have been letting go and allowing the students to teach me as well

I have networked with others in the program to lead and guide me and have found great comfort in this

I am dealing with my need to be in control, assist those who need it and troubleshoot etc. by having students monitor the discussions and comment on the discussion board threads

What am I learning about myself?

I am learning to explore and consider how technology can serve the learning needs of my students and the intentions of my teaching goals.

Students require a teacher who is committed to learning and guiding them in acquiring new technological skills (Vesely et al 2007)

“To ensure an active, beneficial learning experience, we must entice students into feeling comfortable expressing themselves online” (Alley and Greenhaus, 2007)

Technology is the great equalizer – it serves the needs of the differentiated learners in my class i.e. students who are low or reluctant readers, students with writing output concerns, students with anxiety, and students with attention deficit disorders

What am I learning about the teaching and learning process?

Vesely, Pam, Bloom, Lisa and Sherlock, John. “Key Elements of Building Online Community: Comparing Faculty and Student Perceptions” in MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. V. 3, n. 3, Sept 2007 9 pp.

  An, Heejung, Shin, Sunghee, Lim, Keol; “The Effects of Different Instructor

Facilitation Approaches on students’ Interactions During Asynchronous Online Discussions” in Computers and Education. V. 53, Issue 3, Nov. 2009. 11pp.

  Alley, Jason, Greenhaus, Karen. “Turning Larkers' into Learners: Increasing

Participation in Your Online Discussions” in Learning and Leading with Technology. August 2007

  “Discussions: Best Practices Tips and Tricks” on University of Nevada Online

Learning Webct site. http://teaching.unr.edu/OTL/webct/facres/discussions/dis_tips.html

Last updated August 2003

Citations