Annotated Bibliography
Educational Technology Issue Question:
Should teachers require student participation in online discussion boards?
Arguments for teachers requiring student participation in online discussion boards.
10 Advantages to Taking Online Classes. (2012, January 10). Retrieved June 26, 2015, from ONLINE
EDUCATION DATABASE: http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/10-advantages-to-taking-online-classes/
Summary – Attending online courses has become a popular option to the traditional higher education
experience. Because of the technological advancements online learning has development, and is proving
that online learning can be just as effective as face-to-face education. Incorporating web-based
communication tools allows students more interaction and greater ability to concentrate. While there is
not a clear idea of online student participation versus participation in traditional courses, one thing is
certain: online courses offer shy or more reticent students the opportunity to participate in class
discussions or chats with more ease than face-to-face class sessions. Some online students say they are
able to concentrate because they are in comfortable surroundings which diminish the noise of their
classmates and classroom activities.
Drs Cavanaugh. (2001). Benefits of a discussion forum. Retrieved June 24, 2015f, from DR S CAVANAUGH
Educational Technology:
http://drscavanaugh.org/discussion/online/benefits_of_a_discussion_forum.htm
Summary: The article, “Benefits of a discussion forum” list the advantages of blackboard discussions.
Distance education extends classroom learning, encourage Individualism, critical thinking, and student
autonomy. They are able to have increased interaction time, more democratic exchange, flexibility and
convenience. Students can react to content, share challenges, teach each other, learn by stating and
understanding, clarify assumptions, experiment, own new skills and ideas
Eight advantages of online communication for citizen engagement. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2015, from
Bang the table: http://bangthetable.com/2010/04/14/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-onlinecommunication-revisited/
Summary - Online discussion forums have long been used in educational contexts as part of a broader
movement towards online learning. This article breaks down eight advantages of online communication
that can inform a project design process. A (untapped) niche topic, strong and lasting purpose, enough
interested people to overcome the 90-9-1 rule, a clear motivator to participate, ongoing promotional
strategy, enough people, time and money to keep it going, and time to grow. During several client
observations, online discussions are proven to be almost as constructive as face to face communication.
Educational Benefits of Online Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2015, from Blackboard Inc.:
http://blackboardsupport.calpoly.edu/content/faculty/handouts/Ben_Online.pdf
Summary – The advantages of online education make a significant impact in higher education. Students
are able to have custom degree plans that meet their individual lifestyles. The web-based Blackboard
forum enables student-centered teaching approaches. Reduce around course management. Provide
around the clock accessibility to course materials; as well as just-in-time methods to assess and evaluate
student progress. The platform enhances student-to-student and faculty-to-student communication
and is a major benefit of using the web-based learning environment. As the technological
advancements evolve even greater benefits are around the corner.
Forums in the Classroom; Enhancing Student Learning & Engagement. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2015,
from ProBoards Inc.: https://www.proboards.com/free-forum-articles/forums-in-the-classroom
Summary – With proper management, discussion forums can dramatically enhance the student learning
experience. To successfully incorporate discussion forums as a learning tool, teachers should be
knowledgeable in their administration and committed to the necessary level of engagement. In doing
so, students become at ease in the discussion forum environment and take a more active role. The
facilitator’s role can lessen as the direct initiator for discussions.
Using Online Discussion Boards to Enhance Learning in Your Class. (2011, April 21). Retrieved June 27,
2015, from University of Washington:
http://depts.washington.edu/swedtech/2011/04/21/using-online-discussion-boards-toenhance-learning-in-your-class/
Summary – The advantages and benefits of online discussion board are numerous. Class discussions
build connections and class community. It contributes to the development of cognitive, critical thinking,
and writing skills. It allows time for thoughtful, in-depth reflection on course topics. Facilitates
exploratory learning and empowers students to express themselves. Online discussion boards allow
students to be comfortable participating in group discussions.
Arguments opposing teachers requiring student participation in online discussion boards.
3 Reasons Students Don’t Participate in Online Discussions. (2012, September 3). Retrieved June 27,
2015, from Online Learning Insights:
https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/3-reasons-why-students-dontparticipate-in-online-discussions/
Summary – “Why don’t my students participate in online discussion forums?” and “Why don’t students
contribute even when their involvement is graded?” due to the lack of participation in discussion
forums. Despite previous post with several remedies to encourage student in involvement, the
questions are still of concern. While analyzing student feedback, three topics emerged that are
associated with non-participation. Mandatory posts and/or due dates were inconvenient or poorly
timed. Reticent Students were overwhelmed with reading material and social fears. Finally, one of the
major goals of a discussion forum is discussed – the lack of critical thinking responses. Understanding
the dynamics and factors affecting online learners better prepare instructors to support and guide
students in the online learning environment.
Cranney, M., Wallace, L., Alexander, J. L., & Alfano, L. (2011, September). Instructor’s Discussion Forum
Effort: Is It Worth It? Retrieved June 27, 2015, from MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and
Teaching: http://jolt.merlot.org/vol7no3/cranney_0911.pdf
Summary – One purpose of the study was to determine if time spent per week, including collective posts
by instructors contribute to the online discussion forum of the students overall discussion grade. The
secondary purpose was to determine the optimal amount of time and discussion posts that instructors
“should” render to the highest discussion grades from students. It was theorize that no relationship
could be determined between time spent per week and the number of posts instructors contributed to
the discussion forum, and the students overall discussion grade.
Haynie, D. (2013, November 8). Benefits, Drawbacks of Online Class Discussion Boards. Retrieved June
24, 2015, from U. S. News EDUCATION: http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/making-theonline-grade/2013/11/08/benefits-drawbacks-of-online-class-discussion-boards
Summary – The online accounting discussion board felt more like structured assignments, opposed to a
discussion platform. Post and responses requirements were to write one researched post and then
respond to two other people's posts, also using research. Posts varied from a well written and cited
paper, to more relaxed and unedited post. As first thought, making long lasting relationships with
virtual classmates are more fantasy then reality.
Morris, S. M., & Stommel, J. (2013, May 6). The Discussion Forum is Dead; Long Live the Discussion
Forum. Retrieved June 26, 2015, from Hybrid Pedagogy:
http://www.hybridpedagogy.com/journal/the-discussion-forum-is-dead-long-live-thediscussion-forum/
Summary – The aim in this article is to see if discussion forums can be engaging enough to carry an
online dialogue. Develop new ideas about how discussion forums may or may not be used. Determine
who they’re for, and what other methods are out there.
Morrison, D. (2013, October 8). Ten Reasons Students Don’t Participate in Online Discussions & How to
Remedy Each. Retrieved June 27, 2015, from Online Learning Insights:
https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/ten-reasons-students-dontparticipate-in-online-discussions-how-to-remedy-each/
Summary – Ten reasons students don’t participate in online discussions is outlined in this article. Using
the data from surveys, student interviews, feedback from other online instructors, the author’s personal
experiences the following list has been devised. The who, what, when, why, and how are not clearly
defined or students may have technical difficulties with the LMS. Shy or reticent students feel they have
nothing to contribute to the discussion. Posts are misinterpreted, students use poor discussion
etiquette, and responses are not critically thought out. Initial post present time restraints, discussion
questions seem to be unrelated to course or are vague and unfocused. My favorite by far and what I
tend to experience is,” student’s are just not into it.”