Using WebCT as our platform, we offer unique options. Students can come to class every day, and do some of their work in an “enhanced” online format by participating in our interdisciplinary online learning community. Or they may opt to do all of their work in a completely online environment, participating online with their in-class classmates, and never come to class. Or, third, they may choose a “seamless” combination of both modes, coming to class as necessary. Such flexibility has proven especially popular with students who experience work, health, and family issues. The presenters will demonstrate that we are better able to foster a learning community that reaches out into the wider community beyond the campus.

An online discussion board can be the communication hub of a learning community. It can be a rich and robust center of interactive and collaborative teaching and learning! How can faculty design and organize discussion boards to promote relevant communication? How can we prompt active student participation? To foster community, instructors need to identify and communicate their objectives for asynchronous communication and find efficient ways to evaluate learner contributions and participation. Presenters will share practical approaches to incorporating online discussion and using rubrics to enhance productive communication and community development.