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A discussion board (also called bulletin board, eBoard, or web forum) provides a place for people to exchange thoughts and ideas in an asynchronous environment. Bulletin boards for classroom are frequently moderated by a teacher who can exercise various levels of control over users and content. Most forums require a free membership before users are allowed to post. As with other tools, free discussion boards are available, but often come with heavy advertising.
How it works: Most discussion boards work on a server’s database application (SQL/PHP). Users login and then can compose, format and post their message from any web browser. Messages are often accessed according to forum and topic. Many discussion boards have other features such as polls, internal email and the ability to “subscribe to topics”.
Terms:
- Avatar: a very small image that is used to represent the user. Avatars are often comic-book or game based or even personal photo for their avatar.
- Emoticon: graphic symbols used to share emotion or feeling behind the message.
Students: Can be used for any classroom/community use. A first step is often based in discussion of reading or sharing about a current event or issue.
Parents: Parents might primarily access forums to keep informed about classroom activities and topics. Parents could be allowed to respond or post ideas as well.
Colleagues: A great tool to generate shared knowledge. In addition to prodviding a place to share the exchange of ideas and knowledge, colleagues could have ability to review insights from a last year’s topic about Literacy Skills.
Issues: If set up correctly a moderator can have complete control over posting and content in a discussion board. Most boards also have the option of allowing access only to registered users with a password.
Resources:
- Extending the Classroom into Cyberspace http://www.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/extendclass.html
A wonderful resource for information and ideas for developing discussion boards for your classroom. - Using Discussion Boards (Northern Virginia Writing Project http://gunston.doit.gmu.edu/nvwp/continuity/technology/boards.htm
This article provides ideas for effective use of discussion boards. - Walking the Talk http://www.mwconf.com/forums
A group of teachers on a listserv plan a summer get together. - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix http://forum.discover.tased.edu.au/webforum/student/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000036
This is an example of a discussion board for students to talk about a novel. - Poetic Inspiration http://wwforums.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=6636029721&f=9986041131&m=6356021371
A discussion board that explores things that inspire poets. - Three Word Story http://teenforums.studentcenter.org/viewtopic.php?t=28081
This from an open teen forum. Each new post adds three words to a story.
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