Digital Communication Tools
Threaded discussions and email systems provide powerful platforms for virtual office hours, homework support, lecture clarification, and immediate student-faculty communication. These tools extend learning beyond the traditional classroom boundaries.
Class Size
3 - 100+ students
Student Level
Any Level
Ease of Use
Moderate
Platform
Web-Based
Key Applications
Virtual Office Hours
Extend availability beyond traditional office hours, allowing students to get help when they need it most
Homework Hints
Provide timely guidance and clarification on assignments without giving away answers
Lecture Corrections
Quickly address any mistakes or omissions from class lectures to prevent confusion
Immediate Q&A
Answer student questions almost immediately, reducing wait times and frustration
How Threaded Discussions Work
Self-titled postings allow users to read what interests them most
Success Story: Dr. Robert Brown, University of Cleveland
Dr. Brown's consistent use of email and bulletin boards allowed him to:
Double Teaching Pace
Cover standard physics at twice the normal pace
Advanced Content
Spend more class time on "cutting-edge physics"
Efficient Learning
Students waste little time "spinning their wheels"
Educational Benefits
Increased Availability
24/7 access to instructor guidance and peer support
More Class Time
Reduce time spent on clarifications, focus on complex topics
Peer Learning
Students learn from each other's questions and answers
Efficient Communication
Avoid repeated questions with class-wide email responses
Ongoing Dialogue
Continuous conversation extends learning beyond class time
Digital Convenience
Access from anywhere, anytime with internet connection
Pro Tip: Course management systems like WebCT provide built-in threaded discussion tools along with other collaborative features, making setup easier for faculty without HTML knowledge.