Rethinking Discussion Boards: Embracing Student Experiences in AI Age
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Chapter 1: Embracing Change in Education
The traditional discussion board is losing its luster in contemporary education, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). After reflecting on my teaching methods for Fall 2023, particularly for remote and asynchronous courses, I've decided to move away from the conventional discussion board format.
This change aims to liberate students from the tedious routine of weekly forum posts, which often lack genuine engagement. The low number of responses to posts is a clear indicator that students are not invested in this format. If their learning truly depended on engaging with their peers’ contributions and receiving thoughtful feedback, the dynamics would be entirely different.
Given the advancements in AI, I am shifting from formal writing assignments to a more creative and experiential approach that encourages students to share their personal narratives. I want them to explore how they connect with the course material in a way that resonates with them while integrating scholarly references in a manner that feels authentic.
As educators across the nation grapple with concerns about AI-generated submissions and seek more engaging alternatives to traditional papers, I am committed to incorporating writing into my curriculum, albeit through a fresh lens.
Section 1.1: The Shift from Formality to Creativity
Historically, students were admonished for using personal pronouns like "I" or "me" in academic writing. However, the landscape of research has evolved, allowing for a more personal touch in scholarly work. I strive to make writing appealing and relevant for my students, which has become even more crucial in today's educational climate.
Encouraging students to include their personal narratives in research has led to more meaningful discussions about their interpretations of study results. Recognizing the role of the researcher in their work is vital, and providing students the freedom to weave their experiences into academic writing fosters a more creative and engaging environment.
Subsection 1.1.1: Creative Approaches to Academic Expression
Section 1.2: Authenticity in Student Narratives
Students are no longer confined to formal papers; they can express their understanding of a subject in a variety of ways, as long as they meet the learning objectives. This shift can be daunting for many professors, who often replicate their own college experiences in their teaching.
To encourage creativity, I’ve eliminated discussion boards and introduced an open-ended question:
"What personal experience relates to this week's course material? Please share your experience in detail, discussing the people involved, the environment, the mood, and the context of the event, along with specific references from the assigned readings and videos. While your submission doesn’t need to follow strict APA formatting, please cite your sources within your narrative."
By validating students' lived experiences as valuable contributions to classroom discussions, I hope to diminish rote responses and foster more genuine engagement.
Chapter 2: Creating an Engaging Learning Environment
One significant video to watch is titled "What might ChatGPT mean for higher education?" This video explores the implications of AI in academic settings and how educators can adapt to these changes. It offers insights into the potential of AI as a tool for enhancing student learning and engagement.
Another compelling video, "The AI Infused Classroom with Holly Clark," dives into innovative teaching strategies that integrate AI into the learning process. It showcases practical examples of how educators can create an interactive and stimulating classroom environment that resonates with students.
As I prepare for the upcoming academic year, I feel liberated to explore new options that allow my students to showcase their learning in meaningful ways. I am moving away from the outdated practice of expecting lengthy weekly posts; instead, I want to see how students connect with the material. This approach paves the way for a future where technology enhances learning, and the traditional discussion board becomes a relic of the past.