My class is built around discussions. I like for students to engage in genuine exchanges with each other I don’t want just teacher-student interaction or students to simply post in order to earn points (although there will always be some of those in a graded environment. )

With a class of 30 students making at least four posts each week, there’s no time to respond to every post each student makes, so I try to be selective in my participation. As in any class, there will be students who post longer comments and comment more frequently than others, so I try to respond to different students each week.

I try to enter the conversation at times that feel natural, but I also try to be strategic, posting different types of posts.

1. The first and easiest type of response is to provide feedback and encourage participation. In these posts, I may confirm that a student has made an important point, complement a unique idea, or thank a student for sharing an example or personal experience.
2. If most of the posts in a thread indicate that most students agree or are saying the same things, I like to point out an opposing view or play “devil’s advocate.” I always point out that I am posing a different opinion, which may or may not be my own. I often see that students learn when I pose such a challenge.
3. If a student mentions a teaching strategy or assistive technology that other students may not know, I post a link or two where they can find more information.
4. With long threads, I posts near the end to summarize what has been said.
5. If a student makes an unclear post or an undetailed statement, I ask further questions and request more details. Here, may also correct an incorrect fact or dispel a miscegenation a student has made.
6. Students can get off-topic, so once in awhile, I have to redirect the conversation and bring the topic back in focus.
7. I have only had one course in which students were extremely disrespectful, intolerant of just plain rude. In response to a student’s email asking that I intervene, I posted my version of the “Can’t We All Just Get Along?” speech. That was the most difficult and frustrating most I have ever made!

I hope you all have respectful, in-depth, and enthralling discussions with your students, and may you never need a post like number 7!

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