Discussion Boards in the Classroom

Discussion boards are a web-based learning tool that can be used in the everyday classroom to evoke discussion and class participation as well as teach and reinforce a specific concept. I believe that this use of digital media to convey a concept is a fabulous way to teach children who have become so digitally inclined. As a teacher I would use the discussion board in the classroom when I am trying to reinforce a concept that has been introduced or even when introducing a new topic or concept. For example if I was teaching grade seven social studies and we were beginning the unit on Japan, I would take the opportunity to incorporate the discussion board. I would post a new topic that asks a question such as “When you hear the name Japan, what descriptive words come to mind?” Then I would have the class go to the site and post their responses to the question. This then becomes a valuable tool for students and teachers. This benefits the students because it allows them to begin thinking about the upcoming unit and get some input and feedback from other students in the class. This is a useful tool for teachers as it gives you an idea of where the students are in terms of their background knowledge and their strengths and weaknesses when talking about the general topic. However, as with any teaching practice that involves technology there can be some setbacks that may pose challenges for the teacher. Since web-based learning tools are all incorporated with the use of a computer there challenges to be faced. Are there enough computers to allow for class size? Is the network / server up and running? Can students access the discussion board / web-based tool from home? Can the student navigate a computer? Can the student read and write at a level that is required to participate in the discussion? The first challenge faced with web-based learning tools is having enough computers to provide each student with a computer. This can be a challenge as not all schools have the budget to cover the expense of computers. In turn if there are not enough computers it is difficult to get all of the students working with a web-based tool as a class. The next challenge is the reliability of internet service. Essentially teachers who are incorporating web-based learning tools into their lessons are at the mercy of the service provider. If the internet connection is not available at the specific time that you require it then you are out of luck. This makes it difficult to plan a lesson when you are unsure of accessibility. With increased inclusion in Alberta’s classrooms there will be students who read and write far below grade level in your class. However there are programs such as Read & Write Gold that work with computers to compensate for reading and writing deficits. It is also difficult to use web-based tools as not all students have access to a computer and the internet at home. This means that all of their work that uses the internet must be completed at the school and this then poses another challenge. What if that student doesn’t get done in school and needs to stay late, but they ride the bus? Again another challenge and the list could go on. I guess when it comes to web-based learning tools and the classroom a teacher must plan and incorporate these things at a level that is suitable for the students and the equipment available to them. Every teacher will encounter challenges along their journey and they must see these challenges as an opportunity to grow as a teacher.