This presentation will provide information, and insight in using threaded discussions in asynchronous online courses. More and more online courses include a threaded discussion component. The presentation examines research results and online discussion participation in the asynchronous online learning courses taught by the presenter over an 11-year period.

• Discuss how to increase quality and engagement in online discussions.
• Examine the properties of effective threaded discussion format.
• Learn what students want in discussions in their own words.
• See how instructor “presence” affects online discussions.
• Hear about tips, tricks, and techniques using online discussions.

Price:  Individual Members (Free), Institutional Members ($25/participant), Guest and Non Members ($99/participant)

Facilitators:
Dr. Thompson is an Associate Professor at Buffalo State College in Buffalo, NY, USA, in the Educational Technology graduate program where he teaches almost all his courses as 100% online courses. He has over 40 years of experience in education, including over 25 years’ experience with technology. His previous career experience includes working in urban, suburban, and rural K-12 schools as an elementary and secondary classroom teacher (general education and special education), curriculum coordinator, principal, and school superintendent. He also functioned as director of training for two state governments and director of a computer training organization. His PhD is in Education Administration from the University at Buffalo. His current research interests are in online learning, desktop Web conferencing, and green computing. Dr. Thompson has many publications and has made numerous presentations at state, national, and international conferences.