Online class discussions can be very rewarding but they are also time consuming for the online instructor. This is especially true when there is a large class, a complex course topic, the instructor is an adjunct and has many other responsibilities, or it is the instructor’s first time teaching the course. There are two possible options available when an instructor is faced with the demands of an online discussion and the first is to follow the steps and meet the minimum requirements. The other option is to take the time to actively participate in the discussions. Regardless of the option chosen, online discussions require the participation of the instructor so that students stay on topic and actively participate in the class.
For an online class discussion, it is the instructor who sets the tone and serves as a role model of what it means to be present and participate in the discussion. Students look to these posts for guidance and feedback, especially when they are having difficulty articulating their thoughts or working with the topic. An instructor who posts well-developed and well-researched engagement messages will bring complementary resources and add her expertise to make the topics come alive and applicable to the real world. Because this is a time-consuming process, instructors need a specific strategy to make the process manageable and meaningful. Instructors can cultivate engaging online class discussions with guided ANCHORS.
The first step in developing ANCHORS is HASAcknowledge a student’s post in some way, whether it’s their attempt to answer the discussion question or their perspective on the topic. The next step involves NOencourage their development by supporting them by responding, rather than calling them out on what they have written. The third step is to respond in a way that prompts your againstcritical thinking on the subject. This may involve taking the course materials and guiding them through the process of analysis, synthesis, and real-world application. The next step is HelloHighlight important points in the course materials and this can also include any aspect of the reading that students are struggling with.
The fifth step in the ANCHORS development process is to take a EITHERorganized approach to response development. Instructor engagement posts should not be reactive responses, but rather posts that have been carefully designed and developed in a way that is based on what students submit. The next step is to include Rresearch and/or additional sources to strengthen the response. The last step is to create a yeswhiteboard or post that prompts further discussion by concluding with a follow-up question. A response that simply acknowledges something the student has written or provides professional expertise may not be enough to create ongoing discussion.
The use of ANCHORS is a complementary strategy that can be used to improve your current instructional methods and you can also use it as a means of critiquing what you currently publish. To make your posts more meaningful, you need to consider the perspective of your students’ discussions and keep in mind that they are doing their best to respond and participate. If the topic is too difficult and there is no active educational presence, students may become disengaged from the discussions. Using ANCHORS is also helpful when you have a new class, a subject you’ve never taught before, or a topic that doesn’t align with your professional background. It is also possible that ANCHORS can help you engage in a discussion that may not be engaging or interesting from your perspective.
Developing substantive instructional responses takes time and practice. It also requires the development of an effective time management plan. Each message you post in an online discussion represents your level of commitment to the learning process. When responding to student posts, consider your needs and the purpose or goal of the discussion. Develop ANCHORAGES to make the process of educational participation more attractive and meaningful. It will also allow you to encourage, nurture, challenge and support your students’ progress and development. When online discussions are engaging, all participants can benefit and learn.
