Final answer:
The first step in the planning process when designing an online discussion activity for students is to define the learning goals. This step helps align the activity with the desired outcomes and create an effective learning experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in the planning process when designing an online discussion activity for students is to define the learning goals. This step is crucial because it helps you identify what you want students to achieve or learn through the discussion. By determining the learning goals, you can then tailor the activity to align with those goals and create a more effective learning experience.
For example, if the learning goal is to encourage critical thinking skills, you might design the discussion activity to include open-ended questions or prompts that require students to analyze and evaluate different perspectives. On the other hand, if the learning goal is to foster collaboration and teamwork, you might structure the activity to include group discussions or peer-to-peer feedback.
Once you have defined the learning goals, you can then move on to other steps in the planning process, such as selecting a digital tool, deciding who will be participating, and determining the time and scope of the discussion.