New Learning MOOC’s Updates
Discussion Boards as a Tool for Transformative and Reflexive Learning
One e-learning practice that reflects transformative and reflexive pedagogy is the use of online discussion boards in platforms like Canvas, Moodle, or Google Classroom. These spaces allow students to go beyond memorizing facts — they encourage them to reflect, share insights, and connect lessons to real-life experiences.
Through guided prompts, learners not only express their understanding but also critically analyze ideas, compare perspectives, and apply concepts in context. This fosters authentic learning, as knowledge is co-constructed through dialogue rather than one-way instruction.
However, discussion boards can still retain didactic features if poorly facilitated — for example, when responses are limited to summaries rather than critical engagement. When designed well, though, they become powerful tools for deep reflection, collaboration, and personal growth, aligning with transformative education.