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Online Discussion Boards in Math

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I like to talk ideas out; it helps me gain a better understanding of what it is I know and what it is I don’t know. Also, when others express their ideas, I am able to learn  and approach an idea from another point of view. When students discuss their ideas and explain their reasoning, they gain insights into their own thinking. Also, by hearing a peers explanation of a topic can increase understanding. I may not fully understand the way a teacher explains a concept with academic language but a peers language may make complete sense to me.


Class time is a very limited commodity. One way to include class discussions in your math class is with digital discussion boards. The use of digital discussion boards has many benefits. First, it gives every student in the classroom a voice. Second, student misconceptions can be identified and addressed more quickly as well as allowing students the opportunity to evaluate others’ mathematical thinking. Third, all students are held accountable for the knowledge required for the class.


By using online discussion boards you give every student an opportunity to express themselves in math class. Some students find it difficult to share out in class for fear of being wrong or they simply don’t want to draw attention to themselves. Others take longer to gather their thoughts and express them in a coherent manner. Other times, you may have a student who always answers and the others in the class don’t have an opportunity. An online discussion allows for more reflection that can serve to improve student’s “writing and the quality of their mathematical reasoning and critical thinking” (Johnson 183).


Using online discussion boards also allows a teacher to identify misconceptions quickly and address and correct those misconceptions. When students communicate math concepts in writing, their understanding of the idea becomes clear, not only for the student, but for the teacher as well. Working a math problem and getting the wrong answer may not give a clear understanding of what the student does not understand. However, if a student explains how they came to their answer, any misunderstanding of the content becomes evident and can be modified. With discussion boards, students are also afforded the opportunity to read a peers mathematical thinking. Hearing a concept explained from different perspectives can allow for greater understanding.


Using discussion boards holds all students accountable for the content. When open discussions are held in class, students can avoid becoming involved. However, if students are required to engage with an online discussion, there is no where to hide. To increase engagement, grades should be tied to student participation.


There are many ways an educator can incorporate discussion boards into their classroom. The goal is for the students to develop an idea and support their idea with facts. Roger Gee, who has used discussion boards in the classroom, expects each student to post at least one message to the topic of the day and to reply to another student’s post. His expectation is a professional response with good spelling and proper grammar with no texting and twitter type responses. Students can also use discussion boards to share class notes and to ask questions. An assignment can include students looking for math in their world, taking pictures, and posting those pictures with text explaining the concept. The discussion board could also be used as an extension to the classroom where students are asked to explain one thing learned and one question they may have about the topic (if no questions - then they can share how the math concept relates to their real life).


Note, students can be hesitant to make their first few posts, largely due to the fact they may not be sure what is expected or for fear of being incorrect. However, once students become comfortable with the format, research has shown students mathematical writing improves. Online discussion boards promotes a community of learners who work together towards the same goal. They each bring their own interests and abilities and they use the traits to build a stronger learning environment.


If you are interested in using discussion boards in your math class, please let me know. I would be happy to help you get started.  


Sources:
Johnson, Erica. “Using Online Discussion Boards to Foster Mathematical Dialogue”. Proceedings of the Twenty-first Annual International Conference on Technology In Collegiate Mathematics, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 12 - 15, 2009. Pearson Education Inc, 2010. Pages 182 - 187. Internet. 2 April 2015.

 Kelly, Rob. "Making Online Discussion Boards Work for Skills-Based Courses." Faculty Focus. 
Online Education, 11 Nov. 2010. Web. 06 Apr. 2015.

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