Three Ways to Make Online Class Discussions More Engaging

In many online classes, students and instructors have the chance to interact with one another through forums, instant messaging, or live video chats. These discussions are an essential part of online learning, as they allow everyone to share ideas, think critically, and challenge one another. Here are three ways to make online class discussions more engaging.

Make Your Messages Clear and Concise

Like in-person conversations, interacting in online discussions is most effective when participants convey their ideas without rambling or veering off-topic. It's essential to make your messages to the group as clear and concise as possible. Unless instructed otherwise, try to keep your responses to only a few short paragraphs, and make sure that your main points, questions, and arguments are easy for everyone to understand.

Offer Resources and Real-Life Examples

When writing an essay, it's imperative to support your arguments and positions with evidence from reliable sources. The same is true when you want to make a point in an online discussion for class. When it's appropriate, offer your classmates resources, links to credible sources, or real-life examples and anecdotes to enrich your message. Ideally, others in the class will also provide evidence to make their points, which will encourage more engaging and constructive discussions.

Ask Questions, and Be Open to New Ideas

An easy way to keep online class discussions flowing is to remain engaged in what others are saying. You can do this by asking questions about things you're unsure of, or by politely disagreeing with their arguments and suggesting alternative ideas. Remember to approach each discussion with an open mind, and be open to hearing new ideas or having your opinion changed.

Having constructive and engaging discussions is one of the most enriching aspects of an online class. Tulane School of Professional Advancement offers many online options in both our bachelor's and master's degree programs. To learn more about studying online with us, request more information today.