{"id":367,"date":"2026-07-06T09:40:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T13:40:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.web.umflint.edu\/genai\/?page_id=367"},"modified":"2026-07-06T09:43:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T13:43:50","slug":"discussions-ai-redesign","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/assignments-in-the-ai-era\/discussions-ai-redesign\/","title":{"rendered":"Discussions and Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center fb-columns-page-header is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-content-justification-right is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-951621a4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-xx-large-font-size\">Discussions and Strategy<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discussion boards remain central to online learning, yet generative AI tools have fundamentally changed what constitutes meaningful assignments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-column-is-layout-5b271542 wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover wp-container-content-958eb9dc\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;min-height:70vh;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-378 size-full\" alt=\"Graphic featuring various speech bubble shapes in yellow and dark blue against a dark background, connected by lines.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/07\/genai-discuss.jpg\" style=\"object-position:23% 50%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"23% 50%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/07\/genai-discuss.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/07\/genai-discuss-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/07\/genai-discuss-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/07\/genai-discuss-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/07\/genai-discuss-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#4c3c3c\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><nav class=\"is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-bd946717 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Sidebar Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 7.5h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4 15h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-2\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-2-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/resources\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Resources<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/assignments-in-the-ai-era\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Assessments in the AI Era<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Assessments in the AI Era submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/assignments-in-the-ai-era\/testing-and-assessment\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Testing and Assessment<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/assignments-in-the-ai-era\/redesigning-assignments\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Redesigning Assignments<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/assignments-in-the-ai-era\/discussions-ai-redesign\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Discussions and Strategy<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/ai-image-gallery\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">AI Image Gallery<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/prompt-literacy\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Prompt Literacy<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Redesigning Discussions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the age of generative AI, the traditional approach to discussion board assignments in higher education is facing a critical need for redesign. The advent of tools like ChatGPT has significantly altered the landscape of what constitutes effective and engaging assignments. On this page, we will offer strategies and examples of discussion designs that emphasize higher-order thinking skills that AI cannot easily replicate. This involves shifting from questions that ask for mere information recall to those that require analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many students perceive discussion board assignments in online courses as \u201cbusy work\u201d if they do not effectively foster meaningful interaction, or do not allow them to connect with their classmates in a way that feels relevant and engaging. When discussion activities are perceived as a mere box-checking exercise rather than an opportunity for genuine learning and exchange of ideas, students are less likely to invest their time and effort into crafting thoughtful responses\u200b. To counteract these issues and enhance the educational value of discussion boards, faculty can adopt more dynamic and interactive approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To ensure discussion board activities are engaging and resistant to completion by generative AI tools, consider the following strategies which aim to promote critical thinking, creativity, and personal reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Incorporate Reflective Questions:<\/strong>\u00a0Design prompts that require students to connect course material with their personal experiences or current events. Questions like \u201cHow does this concept apply to an experience you\u2019ve had?\u201d or \u201cRelate a current news event to what we\u2019ve learned this week and explain its implications\u201d encourage unique, personalized responses that AI cannot generate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facilitate Peer Review and Response:<\/strong>\u00a0Assign students to critique or build upon their peers\u2019 arguments, analyses, or creative outputs. This not only encourages deeper engagement with the material and each other\u2019s work but also necessitates original thought and analysis that AI tools can\u2019t mimic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Implement Socratic Questions:<\/strong>\u00a0Design discussion prompts that utilize Socratic questioning techniques, asking for explanations of why a student holds a certain viewpoint, how they reconcile conflicting pieces of evidence, or what they believe are the strengths and weaknesses of a particular argument. This approach fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Utilize Case Studies and Problem-Based Learning:<\/strong>\u00a0Pose complex, real-world problems for students to solve collaboratively in the discussion boards. Encourage them to apply course concepts, debate solutions, and justify their choices. This method promotes application of knowledge in new contexts, a task that requires human judgment and creativity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encourage Creative Outputs:<\/strong>\u00a0Ask students to create original content that relates to course themes, such as digital art, poetry, or short stories, and share these creations on the discussion board for peer feedback. This taps into students\u2019 creativity and personal interests, areas where AI lacks authenticity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Debate Controversial Topics:<\/strong>\u00a0Design discussions around controversial issues related to the course content, prompting students to take a stance, back up their positions with evidence, and respectfully challenge each other\u2019s viewpoints. This encourages active engagement and critical analysis, pushing beyond the capabilities of AI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assign Research-Based Discussions:<\/strong>\u00a0Require students to conduct research on a topic before participating in the discussion. They could be tasked with finding recent studies, news articles, or other resources that aren\u2019t likely to be within the training data of AI tools, ensuring their contributions are current and unique.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integrate Multimedia:<\/strong>\u00a0Encourage students to incorporate multimedia elements into their discussion posts, such as video reflections, podcasts, or infographics they\u2019ve created. This diversifies the types of intelligence and skills being used and evaluated in the course.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below is an abbreviated example of a problematic discussion activity. In this example, the initial prompt could easily be entered into ChatGPT, providing the student with a sound reply\u2013likely indistinguishable from human conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light has-border-color has-brand-blue-border-color\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:50px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-text-alternate-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Initial Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discuss the differences between the biomechanical and biopsychosocial models of pain in terms of physical therapy focus for evaluation and treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two main problems often associated with this kind of prompt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><strong>Limited Peer Interaction<\/strong>:<\/em>\u00a0The instructions often state, \u201cPost once, Reply twice\u201d and as a result, the subsequent responses are rote, and easily imitated as human by a GenAI chatbot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em><strong>Vague Assessment Instructions<\/strong>:<\/em>\u00a0The grading criteria are limited, such as\u00a0<em>\u201cInclude one\u00a0<strong>substantive post<\/strong>\u00a0and two replies.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Vague directions often lead to posts requiring little more than factual recall. Again, such conversations can be easily cloned as human.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is how this discussion prompt and directions might be improved to generate a more human-to-human conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light has-border-color has-brand-blue-border-color\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:50px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-text-alternate-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Revised Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treatment philosophies are fundamental to diverse interventions. Understanding various approaches will make you better adapt to healthcare environments and situations. Given the differences between the biomechanical and biopsychosocial models of pain, how have you seen this play out in your professional or personal experiences?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Peer Interaction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students will be assigned partners. Question: How would you have interpreted and responded to the problem if you were in the same situation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Rubric Assessing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The AACU provides&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1MB8RWvPO243EPLDy4pfOX4I-w6h_FxTk5iJRviDxqSw\/view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">16 Rubric types<\/a>, including the&nbsp;<strong>Civic Engagement VALUE Rubric<\/strong>&nbsp;posted at the top of the linked document.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Observe in this revision how the prompt could lead to many correct answers, each requiring its own subjective justifications. Also, notice how the conversation is expanded by asking students to relate their personal and professional experiences to the question. Peer interactions are encouraged by limiting the group size and by requiring students to engage in their peers\u2019 personal experiences. Finally, detailed evaluation criteria are specified. Rubrics are modeled in detail in the examples below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Additional Suggestions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are more suggestions of sentences you might add to a discussion activity to encourage genuine conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This class and topic involve critical thinking. You must create responses in your own words without using Generative Artificial Intelligence tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This discussion is designed to help you consider other perspectives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Researching your answer will include guidance and evidentiary support for your argument.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When addressing another student\u2019s post, challenge their assumptions, ask for clarification, or ask for evidentiary support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In general, remind students that their responses are meant to further their thinking and understanding of a topic. A tool that short-circuits that process will be counterproductive to their learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As demonstrated in the examples below, incorporating small group live conversations following asynchronous discussions can enhance student-to-student engagement and instruction. Groups of 2-4 students formed around common availability can schedule sessions during mutually-convenient times, and these interactions can be beneficial in establishing teams that work throughout the semester on summative projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>History Example:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/17pEel39Cf8jCNLjGjNE24Szb_EXsHlNkZrqZno7bl-s\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">History Discussion Prompt in a Generative AI World<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nursing Example:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1yTbk-tFXkKJcResiv3kDjNx3OhY_nsCs0OR4mC4zGtg\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nursing Discussion Prompt in a Generative AI World<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discussions and Strategy Discussion boards remain central to online learning, yet generative AI tools have fundamentally changed what constitutes meaningful assignments. Redesigning Discussions In the age of generative AI, the traditional approach to discussion board assignments in higher education is facing a critical need for redesign. The advent of tools like ChatGPT has significantly altered [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":37,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-367","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/367","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=367"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/367\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":381,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/367\/revisions\/381"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/genai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}