The Role of the Moderator in Computer

Conferencing
The moderator role, because it involves the "instructional" functions, is probably the
most important one in computer conferencing.

What is involved in being an effective moderator?

 Be clear with the students about your objectives for the computer
conference.
 Be as flexible as you can, while still encouraging the discussion to stay
generally on topic.
 Get the students to participate in different ways, by asking them to work
individually, with partners and in groups.
 Be objective and aware of your tone when you post messages and
responses.
 If the discussion flags, intervene by suggesting a new topic, asking a
question, or summarizing the discussion and moving on.
 Be aware that having two or three major points in a particular thread of
discussion is reasonable.
 Present the opposite point of view to get a debate going.
 Use guest speakers to bring a fresh "voice" to the discussion.
 Keep your postings short and to the point.
 Get everyone involved by requiring contributions on a regular schedule.
 Just like in a classroom discussion, use open-ended questions, provide
examples of what you're thinking about to guide student responses, and
weave ideas together, to help students grasp the essential points.