Portfolio task 2:
Roles and rules for either online discussions or online chats (500 words, Salmon, Mazzareli etc.)
DRAFT
Roles and rules for online discussions

There are many factors that influence online discussions used in higher education. These need to be taken into account before developing roles and rules for online discussions.
I am a design teacher and it is from this point of view of initiating online discussions with my students that I will be understanding roles and developing a framework of rules. While most roles and rules will be common to all discussions there may be some aspects which would be specific for design.

The role a teacher in an online forum would be the role the teacher needs to take on for learning to happen in an e-learning environment. She is responsible for the design, organization, facilitation, moderation, instruction, management, of ‘the cognitive and social processes’ so that meaningful and in depth learning occurs. In e-learning, the teacher is responsible for the structure of the learning event, its management, design and organization, building understanding and direct instruction’ (G&A, p 31).’

As a teacher, I have an important role in establishing social presence. “Setting the right tone at the right time. The tone may range from nurturing and emotionally supportive to questioning and analytical. The tone of the conversation should correspond with cogntive presence issues and goals.” (Garrison and Anderson, 2003, p 80) I would take on the role of facilitator, guide, challenger, moderator, etc. at appropriate moments. As a teacher, in an online discussion, I would encourage students to
· Freely express themselves,
· Retain control and independence.
I would be welcoming and try and build trust. With my comments I would encourage, acknowledge, challenge, question, facilitate, moderate, give feedback.
e.g. Encourage students to take part in the online discussion.
During the online discussion I would initiate and encourage communication which is affective, open and cohesive.

I would encourage students to
· Listen to one another with respect
· Build on one another’s ideas
· Challenge and question each other
· Critique supported with reasons
· Assist each other to identify assumptions
· Express their feelings
· Promote a safe feeling
· Become more responsible for own learning.

Establishing relationships and a sense of belonging is important in the online discussion. This is needed build up for a meaningful discussion. Too much politeness can also hinder a meaningful discussion so there needs be an atmosphere where people can question, probe and challenge.
Online discussions can be of many kinds and so would be the rules for each kind of discussion.
Online text synchronous discussion
· Read up on the topic in advance before the discussion.
· Record the discussion
· Ensure you do not have interruptions during the discussion, though this is not so crucial.

Online video conference
· Ensure you know how to join the conference- your computer should be appropriately configured. Join the conference before time to account for eventualities.
· Learn the system for participating in turn.
· Encourage, acknowledge, question, challenge,
· Try affective, open and cohesive communication.
· Communicate clearly, asking relevant permissions to start of a thread, indicate the end of a thread.
· Sign off clearly
· Come prepared with outline, questions, etc.
· Take notes during the discussion
· Have a prior discussion with participants, organize yourself for it, set the date and time well in advance. Send a reminder.
· Ensure no interruptions.


Online audio conference
· Have a prior discussion with participants, organize yourself for it, set the date and time well in advance. Communicate date and time for conference.Send a reminder. Confirm participation a few hours before scheduled time to start.
· Ensure you know how to join the conference- your computer should be appropriately configured. Join the conference before time to account for eventualities.
· Come prepared.
· Learn the system for participating in turn.
· Encourage, acknowledge, question, challenge,
· Try affective, open and cohesive communication.
· Communicate clearly, asking relevant permissions to start of a thread, indicate the end of a thread.
· Sign off clearly
· Come prepared with outline, questions, etc.
· Take notes during the discussion
· Ensure no interruptions.