Whether teaching in a real or virtual classroom, faculty are discovering the value of online discussion tools allowing class members to participate in asynchronous (anytime/anyplace), threaded (topic-organized) discussion. Message boards and online discussion forums provide a means for discussions that can extend for days, weeks, or even the course of a semester; comments remain posted until the discussion moderator deletes them. Discussions might consist of assigned topics, questions raised by class assignments, or other issues relevant to the class.
All CLiC course homepages include a simple Message Board making it easy to continue class discussions, share ideas, post information to supplement course topics, or to plan class projects.
The contents of the CLiC message board are divided into topics, messages, and replies. The moderator of the discussion designates its subject by posting a topic. Participants in the discussion post messages to ask questions about or provide insights into the topics. Once a message is posted others respond to the message by posting replies.
Faculty who need a more sophisticated discussion tool should consider using ANGEL.
Learn More: http://www.campuspipeline.com/cmt-tutorial/cmt-tutorial/tab1/subsection1.html
ANGEL provides more flexibility in viewing discussion threads and allows members of the discussion to attach files to a topic or reply.
Learn More: Check out the ANGEL Tutorial / Sample Course at http://www2.norwich.edu/clic/ANGELweb/getstarted.htm after logging in click "Discussions" than click "Help."
