Message+Boards+(Forums)

=50 Classroom Uses and Tips for Message Boards (Forums):=

1. Using a forum after research, have students interact as the persona of the character of research, staying true to the character's role and status within the community.

2. Find a teacher with whom you and your class can collaborate. We are currently working with a class in another district in another county. My students are finding that this collaboration is invaluable. They are extending their knowledge and thoughts with students beyond our walls.

3. Establish guidelines for appropriate postings and responses as a class; students are used to posting to social networking sites but often have not practiced academic/intellectual debate using message boards.

4. Post new discussion threads "on the fly" when you notice that you've got the students engaged in a good discussion as the period comes to a close. They'll get on at home and continue the conversation

5. Make sure that you show especially good posts when your class arrives. This establishes the fact that you're watching the conversation and that you're noticing the good posts. It also helps others know what you're looking for in a quality post.