The Skillful Teacher

Organizing the Online Course for Discussion
In order for an online class to work it must be well organized. Good
course organization is evident when (a) students understand clearly
from the beginning the expectations for the class, the criteria they
are being judged by, and how and when assignments are due;
Teaching Online
205
15_980668 ch11.qxp  7/27/06  3:27 PM  Page 205

---

206
T
HE
S
KILLFUL
T
EACHER
(b) students are assigned to small, deliberative groups to promote
interaction in discussion boards and live chat; (c) students see
clearly how the opportunities for interaction are linked to the con-
tent modules of the class; and (d) ground rules for participation on
discussion boards and chat rooms are public, openly discussed, and
subject to change based on CIQs and other ongoing course evalu-
ations. Let’s talk a little more about each of these in turn.