Online discussion boards have long been a staple of asynchronous courses, yet many instructors and students question whether they still foster meaningful learning and authentic interaction in today's educational landscape. Since designing the first fully online section of PUBH 201: Introduction to Public Health in 2019, Julie Grubaugh, Senior Lecturer & Undergraduate Health Program Director in the Department of Nutrition and Public Health Sciences, has continuously refined online discussion activities in response to student feedback, evolving technologies, changing classroom dynamics, and the emergence of generative AI. Rather than presenting a single "best" approach, Julie will share lessons learned through six years of continuous course improvement—including successes, missteps, and ongoing questions. Participants will leave with practical design principles for creating online discussions that promote student connection, belonging, meaningful engagement, and achievement of course learning outcomes.

This is an instructor focused workshop and only faculty/staff or GTAs may enroll.