This strategy can be used for: Team Decision Making | Communication | Choosing a Topic for Research
Online discussion boards, wikis, or internet forums are web-based platforms where multiple team members can post text for others to read. Teams can create private or invitation only online boards that are restricted to members of the research team. People can share ideas in response to a prompt or question, or generate their own ideas.
Team members can post text "live" at the same time. Some research teams have used live chat to hold virtual meetings at a specific time (without camera or audio). Other research teams have used asynchronous discussion boards to share ideas and respond to other posted ideas.
Security Note: Organizations might limit the type of information research teams are allowed to share on online discussion boards. Teams should check with their organization before using online discussion boards.
Access Accommodations and Supports
- If synchronously using this modality for a "live" meeting, allow more time, as text based discussions may take longer than verbal discussions.
- Team members can provide additional ideas on the phone or email if they do not feel they are able to get their ideas across during the live discussion or if accessing written communication is challenging.
- Select a platform that allows for the use of video, images, and uploaded audio messages, if these are communication modalities that work well for team members.
- Provide 1:1 support during live discussion on the phone or private chat.
Resources
- This link has written directions and frequently asked questions for using Google Groups
- This link has a video explaining how to use Google Chat
- This link has a video explaining how to record and upload videos to Microsoft Flipgrid
Tools to Explore
- Blackboard is a way to share information with large groups of people. You can upload files and have discussion boards.
- Google Groups is an email listserv platform
- You can make a private group in Facebook. Group members can chat with each other online. You can also share files and pictures for other group members to download.
- Miro, IBM Mural, and Google Jamboard are online tools where you can make diagrams and flowcharts as a team. Some groups might like using Miro, IBM Mural, or Google JamBoard to have online discussions if they want to visually move around different comments.
- Flipgrid is an online platform where team members can post short videos
References
Examples of studies using this strategy
Nicolaidis, C., Raymaker, D., McDonald, K., Dern, S., Ashkenazy, E., Boisclair, C., Robertson, S., & Baggs, A. (2011). Collaboration strategies in nontraditional community-based participatory research partnerships: Lessons from an academic−community partnership with autistic self-advocates. Progress in Community Health Partnerships : Research, Education, and Action, 5(2), 143–150. https://doi.org/10.1353/cpr.2011.0022
Paiewonsky, M. (2011). Hitting the reset button on education: Student reports on going to college. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 34(1), 31–44. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885728811399277
Raymaker, D. M., Kapp, S. K., McDonald, K. E., Weiner, M., Ashkenazy, E., & Nicolaidis, C. (2019). Development of the AASPIRE web accessibility guidelines for autistic web users. Autism in Adulthood : Challenges and Management, 1(2), 146–157. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2018.0020
Ryan, S. M., Yuan, S. J., Karambelas, A. M., Lampugnale, L. E., Parrott, B. J., Sagar, C. E., & Terry, T. V. (2015). "We are researchers": Students with and without intellectual disabilities research the university experience in a participatory action research course. Canadian Journal of Action Research, 16(2), 70–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/23297018.2019.1627571
Examples of studies using this accommodation
None specified