Forums

This tool allows for the creation of an unlimited number of discussion forums and can be integrated closely with other tools such as Resources and Gradebook - which means marks can be assigned for work done in forums, or just for participation. Topics will most likely be created by the course convener, and your role may be to monitor conversation threads and reply to comments. In each topic, students can start a new conversation or reply to posts. This tool works great as a way for students to share their thoughts and ideas during discussion-based tutorials. Remember to be respectful, informative and interactive to keep your students motivated.

How-to guide:

• Video on how to use Forums:

Example:

• The Vula help documentation here provides more information and examples of setting up forums.
• Usually, in a tutorial session, students are typically gathered into one place and have the incentive of the context to encourage the discussion. One of the challenges that you will face will be facilitating conversation in different modes across time. You will need to think about helping students to prepare for their discussions and offer them support on how to engage in the discussions and get the most out of their learning from the discussion time.
  • Do not set topics for discussion that have clearly correct or incorrect responses.
  • Make sure the students understand what they will need to do to prepare for the discussion - what they must read, watch or think about.
  • Alert students in advance to the questions or activities that you will be using to guide the discussion.
  • Offer opportunities for students to practice engaging in discussions with “easy” or “safe” topics.
  • Consider “ priming the pump” - in other words, starting off the discussion with an issue that students are likely to have an opinion on.
  • Establish clear, minimum expectations in terms of participation and engagement for students.

Group Settings:

• The course convener may have set up separate topics for each tutorial group in the Forums tool. Check to make sure you and the students in your tutorial group are discussing the correct topic.

Key Points:

• If you have the necessary permissions such as being added as a Lecturer, Site Owner or Support Staff role on Vula, you can create topics within a discussion forum.
• If you have the necessary permissions (as noted above), you can assign each group of students to a particular topic or forum.
• If you have the necessary permissions (as noted above), you can specify dates to show and/or hide the topic