Summary

Reflect on a completed course or unit and list words or phrases that come to mind. Enter each word or phrase as a subject line on a new discussion thread. Respond to classmates' words that resonate with you. 

Source

Conrad & Donaldson (2010), p. 91

Notes

The authors note that this task is adapted from a training exercise from the American Red Cross, and that the activity can be done in a face-to-face setting with scraps of paper that are filled out and then posted on a wall.

Related

Summary

Students are assigned to post an IRA—Insights, Resource, and Application—to a discussion board. An IRA consists of:

3 Insights: one sentence each

1 Resource: book, article, website, flim, etc. that echoes the argument or theme, with two sentences of annotation

1 Application: provide an example from your experience. Does the assigned reading reinforce or change your perspective on this event or situation?

Source

Conrad & Donaldson (2010), p. 88

More

Summary

Students are assigned to debate an issue with a partner. Each student posts a summary of the debate on a discussion board. 

Source

Conrad & Donaldson (2010), p. 72 

Variations

In a progressive dyad, one student writes arguments on one side of an issue and writes supporting points, then sends the draft or collaborative document to a partner to write responding arguments with supporting points (Conrad & Donaldson (2010), p. 78). Alternatively, each partner could send each other the main lines or argument for their side, and the partner could fill in supporting points. This would lead students to articulate opposing points of view as a way of bolstering their own arguments or empathizing with opponents.  

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