Communication is Key

This forum type is ideal for reaching all students with your information because messages you post will will be sent to the individual student emails and they will also remain available in the forum throughout the semester, as an archive for the class.

For example, use this forum to welcome students to the course and let them know what they need to do to get started. * This is a good place to notify students about any changes or clarification for the syllabus, course schedule, materials, etc. You can also use this forum to reach out and ask the class how they are doing and remind students how to contact you.

*Note this forum is for use once the course has been set to Show to students otherwise the message remains in the course.

Whether online or in the classroom consider an introductory forum that requires students to provide some information about themselves. Think about changing up the questions as students move through course levels so that they are providing different information as they near graduation and beyond. Or try out some of these Classic, Creative, or Discussion-Focused Icebreakers described in this article: Introductory/Icebreaker Ideas for Online Discussion Forums

Discussion forums are essential tools for fostering critical thinking and peer interaction in your online course. These forums allow students to engage with course content at a deeper level while building connections with their classmates. As an instructor, you can create topic-specific discussions that extend classroom learning and encourage students to apply concepts in meaningful ways.

Consider creating discussion prompts that require students to analyze, evaluate, or synthesize course materials rather than simply summarizing content. Encourage students to respond thoughtfully to their peers' posts, creating genuine dialogue rather than superficial replies. Set clear expectations for participation frequency, post length, and response quality in your syllabus and reinforce these expectations regularly.

Monitor discussions actively and participate strategically. Offer guidance when conversations stray off-topic, ask follow-up questions to deepen thinking, and highlight particularly insightful contributions. However, avoid dominating the conversation as this can discourage student participation. Consider using forums for case study analysis, current event connections, peer review activities, and collaborative problem-solving exercises.

Moodle's notification system helps you stay connected with student activity and ensures important information reaches students promptly. As an instructor, you can customize your notification preferences to receive alerts when students submit assignments, post in forums, or require assistance.

Set up email notifications to monitor student engagement levels. If you notice a student hasn't participated in recent discussions or submitted recent work, you can reach out proactively. This early intervention often prevents students from falling too far behind and demonstrates your investment in their success.

Use targeted notifications to remind students of upcoming deadlines, provide study tips before exams, or share additional resources related to current topics. You can send notifications to individual students, specific groups, or the entire class depending on your needs. Remember that students also receive notifications about your forum posts, grade releases, and feedback, so be mindful of timing and frequency to avoid overwhelming them.

Consider establishing a regular communication schedule - such as weekly check-ins or mid-module updates - so students know when to expect communication from you. This consistency helps build trust and keeps students engaged throughout the semester.