Online Discussions Doctor: Remedies for 8 Ailments

screen capture of Discussion Doctor online tool front page
Developed by Laura March, M.S., M.Ed., Senior Instructional Designer – UNC-Chapel Hill, laura.march@unc.edu & Mark Anthoney, M.A., MLIS, Instructional Designer – Seattle University, anthonem@seattleu.edu

Running quality online discussions can be challenging.  Faculty often cite one or more of the following problems:

  • Difficulty of grading
  • Not valued
  • Disconnection among students
  • Lack of participation
  • Too chaotic
  • Superficial discussion
  • Time management issues
  • Students aren't comfortable expressing ideas

For ideas on how to address these issues, please check out the "Online Discussions Doctor: Remedies for 8 Ailments. View in "Presentation Mode" for best experience.