1. Online Discussion Design Worksheet : Sample
You are responsible for devising an instructional strategy to support achievement of following
objective. The course is delivered online using an integrated course design framework (e.g., Moodle,
WebCT, Blackboard) that includes standard tools such as discussion, chat and whiteboard. You want
learners to achieve the objective while maximizing online collaboration, cooperation and
communication. In 20 minutes, devise and record an instructional strategy.
Course: Internet Information (undergraduate level, 20 students)
Objective: Explore problems of access – some people have Internet, some do not.
Purpose of Group (Check one or both) ___Learning ___Assessment ___Both
Devise and record your strategy Factors to consider in your design may include:
• Synchronous/ asynchronous/ both?
• How many students in group? How many
groups?
• Private/public discussions?
• Role of instructor? (participation, observation,
interaction)
• Assessment? (group, individual, both, none)
• Discussion as product?
• Product of discussion?
• Duration of discussion?
• Based on common resources/ student-
accessed resources/prior experience?
• Formative evaluation of strategy? Anonymous
or not?

2. Online Discussion Design Worksheet
Your Course: _________________________________________________________________________
Your Students: _______________________________________________________________________
Objective: __________________________________________________________________________
Purpose of Group (Check one or both) ___Learning ___Assessment ___Both
Devise and record your strategy Factors to consider in your design may include:
• Synchronous/ asynchronous/ both?
• How many students in group? How many
groups?
• Private/public discussions?
• Role of instructor? (participation, observation,
interaction)
• Assessment? (group, individual, both, none)
• Discussion as product?
• Product of discussion?
• Duration of discussion?
• Based on common resources/ student-
accessed resources/prior experience?
• Formative evaluation of strategy? Anonymous
or not?