Online Discussions Are Asynchronous Postings of Electronic

Online discussions are asynchronous postings of electronic messages by members of a particular class in a conversation that is continued on topics that are designated by an instructor. Online discussions are useful since they help instructors facilitate online courses and faculties that teach remote sites through interactive television. These are quite beneficial for faculties that each traditional courses and only meet once or twice a week as well as faculties that are occasionally absent from class.

This is just like any other type of learning and therefore theory will inform the facilitation of online discussion. Theory brings out the idea of what is to be learned and therefore will form the basis for the discussion. We can say that theory is what facilitates online discussion since the learners and facilitators have what they need to form the base of their discussion.it is therefore very important for the facilitators to have theory required for each of the online discussion sessions (Raleigh, 2000).

There are several good practices when it comes to the facilitation of online discussions. These practices include establishment of ground rules during the first session in order for the participants to know what to expect from the facilitator, co-learners as well as what is expected of them. Another practice is ensuring that the facilitator is respectful to the learners and encourage that the dialogues are peaceful and full of respect between the learners at all times.

Learning outcomes should be established for each session and always ensure that agenda are followed at each session. In order for learners to get to know each other, icebreakers should be used (ADODCC, 2014). Various teaching techniques such as videos, guest speakers, role plays, case studies, brainstorming and so on should be used. The sessions should be very interactive so as to engage learners as well as drawing them out before learning begins.

The facilitator should also be sensitive to various learning styles such as visuals like PowerPoint slides for visual learners, music and lectures for auditory learners and role plays to engage kinesthetic learners. Both small and large group work and discussions should be included as they facilitate team building and keep learners engaged .learners should be provided with time to ask questions or get any clarifications they want.

Learners should be given the chance to give their feedback and thoughts on the learning process and learning environment as well as inviting suggestions for the improvement of the entire learning process (ADODCC, 2014). Critical thinking is very important in any learning process since it is the ability of evaluation and analysis of something as opposed to merely accepting the face value. Good critical thinkers are able to find errors in textbooks, scientific studies, and logical errors during an argument and many other different things.

Critical thinking is encouraged in online discussions since this is an interactive method of learning series of questions asked during the online discussions which require children to use various critical thinking skills like analysis, interpretation and recognition of assumptions in order for them to come up with a solution. Through these questions learners are encouraged to think critically when answering the questions and thus develop their critical thinking skills. Connectivity recognizes that technology has a great impact on the society and ways of knowing.

Online discussions rely on connected learning which occurs through interactions with various sources of knowledge and participation of learners who have a common interest .connectivity.