Introduction

Incorporating engaging online activities into our classes helps build online communities by facilitating connections between students, students and the instructor, and students and the course content. Do all of your courses have an introductory discussion forum? Are the students as active and engaged as we want them to be? Why not boost your discussions and use one of the following discussion board activity examples to help jump start your online community!

Two Truths and a Lie Activity

In this example, each student would post two truths and a lie about themselves. Classmates are asked to guess which statement is the lie and which statements are the truth. Instructors should be encouraged to participate as well. Here are sample instructions to post in the discussion board:

Post two truths about yourself and one statement that is a lie. In your responses to your peers, pose questions to try to find out which one of their statements is a lie and which statements are truthful. You may use social media to see if you can find out more about your fellow students, such as through their LinkedIn accounts or blogs. Before Sunday, reveal to your classmates your two truths and a lie!

Time Travel Activity

This activity takes advantage of the diversity of our online student population. It encourages students from different ages and geographical/cultural backgrounds to share information and experiences and to make valuable connections. Although it is called “Time Travel,” we have added the option of guessing birthplace or birth year. The instructions for this activity are:

For this discussion, you will have the opportunity to choose what you want to reveal to the class; either your birthplace or your birth year. Create a post and put your name in the subject line, along with which option you chose: birth year or birthplace. In the text box, list five clues to help your classmates guess your birth year or birthplace. The more creative you are, the more challenging it will be. Before Sunday, reveal the answer to the class. What Year You Were Born: Think about the historical events that occurred the year you were born. Who was the President? What was the number one song? What was the top movie? What State or Country Were You Born In: What is this state or country famous or infamous for? What is the state flower? What is the weather like? Are there any amateur or professional sports teams?