A principal reason many instructors chose synchronous online environments is the real time interaction this mode affords. Synchronous environments most closely replicate the dynamism of a face-to-face discussion. However, synchronous environments can present technical challenges for both instructors and students. As a result, many instructors choose asynchronous environments, prompting the question: how can dynamic and purposeful discussions be created and sustained? How can students be engaged with the material, with the instructor and with each other in an online discussion forum? The video Managing Online Discussions attempts to answer these questions.
Managing Online Discussions
Learn at a Distance 