Do threaded discussions in online classes have any academic value?

Works for some people I'm sure.

I never really got that much out of the discussions unless the teacher was actively engaged and could help to guide the discussion and help students flesh out salient points. Most of the time (at AMU) it was post, respond to two, and then Seacrest Out!

It's unfortunate at the Graduate level, but it is what it is. Not worth the time (minimal at best) spent on them. One more reason why I no longer suggest distance/online learning for anyone.

 

It's sad because the discussion boards could be beneficial. I would think that an instructor led discussion that is similar to a classroom discussion would be useful. I have had a few classes where the instructor was very active in the db and it was a positive experience. I understand that Randell1234 does that in his class discussions.

 

I think people post to meet requirements because the questions are often ridiculous. I consider myself a good student, and I enjoy learning - but there's only so much you can do with "How does this assignment relate to your major?", especially if that was the question every week. And especially if the assignments were so similar every week. Also, we had to reply to the answers that the other students gave, and it just felt like going around in circles.

Someone asked what IADT is; IADT is the International Academy of Design and Technology.