Overview

Discussion boards are one of the most commonly utilized online tools. They are used to promote interaction between students and the instructor. Discussion boards can be quite effective if used purposefully and implemented in a way so that instructors are also involved and engaged in the conversation.

Using the Canvas Discussion Board

The Canvas discussion board can be used in a variety of purposes. You can pose questions and have students answer, post a video and have students reflect, for peer review assignments, reply to each other's posts, share resources, share ideas, debate an issue, discuss case studies, problem solve, and more.

You can create graded discussions and make group discussions. The video below will show you how to create a discussion in Canvas.

Video for building discussion board

Best Practices

Use the discussion board to enhance peer interaction.
Use discussions for introductions the first week of class.
Encourage students to create their own discussion board topics related to the class.
Use threaded replies so students can reply to your post and respond to peers' posts.
You can have a discussion board topic about: a case study, reflection to a reading or video, peer review, answer specific questions, etc).
Try to pose questions that elicit complex thinking responses instead of concrete repetitive responses.
Encourage students to reply not only with text, but images, videos, or audio.
Create group discussions and jump into each groups conversation.
Be present! Provide feedback, ask students to expound or ask further questions to guide students. Students can feel 'isolated' online and so it is important the instructor is present.

Additional Resources