There are several ways to use online discussion tools to enhance learning in the classroom. The key to finding the right discussion tool for you is having a firm grasp on the difference between the two main online discussion mediums: listserv’s, and discussion boards (forums).
A mailing list (listserv) is an electronic discussion tool that is email based. You must subscribe to the email list and then you can receive the discussion emails and/or participate in them. The alternative to this is using a discussion board. The difference here is that all the discussion takes place on a web interface and requires the users to go online and check the discussion at their own leisure.
I see a greater ‘classroom’ advantage, especially in the younger grades, to listserv’s. Listserv’s allow a teacher to keep contact with students, parents, and/or peers and send out reminders, assignments, and discussion topics without requiring the students to remember to check a discussion board on their own. Most people are more vigilant about checking their email, rather than remembering to check an online discussion board. I feel like listserv’s are better for keeping contact with your students, and it seems more personal. If I had to choose one for my classroom I much prefer listserv’s.
Heres an example listserv for science teachers that I think is pretty good.
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