ambling on the internet

On line discussion boards are a great way to add technology to the classroom. There is no end to the way that on line discussions can be used to expand on in class assignments. Discussion boards can be used to trace learning throughout the year as students explore a topic. They can be used to hold debates that a regular class time does not allow. Students in smaller rural schools could team up with other schools to discuss assignments and peer tutor beyond the confines of their small classes. Discussion boards can be used for students to respond to current media events, for example in secondary social studies classes students could respond to the political debates as they are being televised. Discussion boards also will allow teachers to respond in a meaningful way to more students and monitor common misconceptions or class wide problems.

Problems may arise with the use of discussion boards if all students do not have equal access to the technology. Teachers also must be aware of safety regulations and FOIP laws which control what students are allowed to post. There have been recent problems with cyber bullying which may cause problems because postings can be anonymous and can be read by all.

Over all I believe that the pros out weigh the cons so long as the teachers take responsibility
for the discussions and teach their students about the proper usage of discussion boards. Just like any new classroom technique teachers need to set rules and consequences from the beginning.