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February 16, 2021
Volume 6, Number 3
Asynchronous Online Discussions During Case-Based Learning: A Problem-Solving Process
The following article/research study can be found on The Online Learning Consortium (OLC), a collaborative community of higher education leaders and innovators dedicated to enhancing quality and leadership in digital education. Morehead State University is now a member of the OLC and has access to many resources. If you are interested in learning more, visit the OLC and explore. Share your finds with us at fctl@moreheadstate.edu.

Asynchronous discussions are typically considered an essential aspect of online case-based learning. While instructors implement discussions to support a variety of instructional purposes during case-based learning (e.g., facilitate students’ sense making, prompt the consideration of diverse perspectives, debate complex topics), whether students receive the expected benefits is unclear, and little research has considered how students intentionally participate in discussions to support their learning during case-based learning.

At the same time, students’ participation in asynchronous online discussions represents a complex endeavor. That is, students must make several decisions regarding how to effectively participate, while simultaneously experiencing several challenges. The purpose of this exploratory multiple-case study was to consider the experiences of six graduate students participating in asynchronous online discussions as a part of a case-based course. By analyzing these experiences, we were able to conceptualize students’ navigation of an asynchronous online discussion as a problem-solving process and consider individual problem-solving approaches.

Results indicate that students relied primarily on instructors to determine the purpose of their discussion participation, expressed differing levels of value for participating in discussions, adopted a variety of strategies to meet discussion participation goals, and assessed their participation efforts mainly based on guidelines set by the instructor. We offer suggestions for effectively designing and facilitating asynchronous online discussions and discuss areas needing future research.

To access the rest of this document, please open the full article here.

– by Adrie A Koehler, Zui Cheng, Holly Fiock, Shamila Janakiraman, Huanhuan Wang, The Online Learning Consortium.
"What I Have Learned" Statement
The FCTL is asking for a short statement/blurb of a positive thing/practice/idea you have learned teaching during COVID.

Click here to share
What I Love About Teaching
Response from: Daryl R. Privott
What I love about teaching is the opportunity to learn with the students in the class. Each and every class offers a dynamic learning opportunity for me. I also enjoy the energy from the students and watching their growth. A phrase that I use in classes is "Let's Get Smarter" and I ask the students to commit to this phrase and I put in the work to do the same.
– Daryl R. Privott, Associate Professor - Adult & Higher Education

To share your response, click here.
Song of the Day (SOTD)
Let FCTL know your SOTD
Hello Fellow Educators,
In an effort to get to know the students in the classes I teach, I share and ask for the students' Song Of The Day (SOTD). Since we are currently snowed in I thought I would share my SOTD and ask you to share and send your SOTD by clicking here.

My SOTD is a classic....click this link to have a listen.

We are looking forward to hearing your selections and may create a "MSU Educators Playlist"

Let's make it happen!
Blackboard Buzz
Notification Options for Students
Help your students meet deadlines and succeed in your course by making them aware of the Notification Options in Blackboard.

When students activate this feature, Blackboard automatically sends alerts to the students’ course homepage, email address or mobile device. This YouTube video demonstrates how this feature works (see thumbnail, below).  

Students will can receive alerts when:
  • new content is posted;
  • new discussion board postings are submitted;
  • tests are available;
  • and much more.

Email msuonline@moreheadstate.edu for additional information and on-campus support.
Ambassadors for Excellence in Teaching
Morehead State University