Building a TD

Building a Threaded Discussion : 

Building a Threaded Discussion Office of Distance Learning

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Learning in the online environment requires a somewhat different approach than the traditional classroom.

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Learning in the online environment requires a somewhat different approach than the traditional classroom. It is important to let students know that they are part of a community of learners.

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A Community of Learners… Learners—it is a college course, and the same expectations of academic performance apply.

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A Community of Learners… Learners—it is a college course, and the same expectations of academic performance apply. Community—students will interact with one another and the professor, each one gaining the benefit of each other’s insights and observations.

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One of the best tools an online instructor has to build community in the cyberspace classroom is the threaded discussion.

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One of the best tools an online instructor has to build community in the cyberspace classroom is the threaded discussion. A threaded discussion can be carried out much like a discussion in a traditional classroom environment.

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However, it avoids the common problem faced by instructors in classroom discussions—how to get everyone involved? In the online classroom, to quote those great online teachers from the 60s, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, there is “Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.” All students MUST participate.

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To begin building a threaded discussion, go to the course home page and click on the unit tab where the threaded discussion (hereafter, TD) is to be placed.

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Then click on “Author.”

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In the desired unit, click on “Add Content Item.”

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Click on “Threaded Discussion” and then click on the tab below that says, “Add to Unit.”

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This will place an empty TD in the unit. Now it needs content. Look under the unit where the TD was added and there should be a link labeled “Threaded Discussion.” Click on it.

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Look for the area that says “Edit Threaded Discussion,” and click on the link entitled “Edit Intro Text.”

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This is a handy area to give students an idea of what a TD is and its purpose in the course.

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This is a handy area to give students an idea of what a TD is and its purpose in the course. Here is a sample introduction: Threaded Discussions are a part of the course that promote class discussion and community. They will rotate around either getting to know one another better or discussion of an issue or topic that arises from the material studied in that unit. Students are encouraged to check back frequently during the week after posting their comments to see what has been posted by others and to respond to the comments of others.

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The introduction is optional, but students may find it informative, especially if it is their first online course.

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Once the text to the introduction has been added (or not), click on “Save Changes” or “Cancel,” which will take you back to the previous page.

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Now look for the section of the page entitled “Add New Topic,” and click on it.

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Give the TD a title.

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Add the text of the TD in the field that says “Topic Text.” It can be a discussion of whatever an instructor may find to be important in that unit. Then click on “Add Topic.”

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Now click on “Course” to see what it looks like. If any editing is needed, click on “Author,” click on whichever tab is necessary, make the changes, then click on “Save Changes.” This will complete the process. 