Graduate Certificate in Online Discussion Skills
Published on June 19, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in online communication and the course coordinator for the new Graduate Certificate in Online Discussion Skills. Welcome, Jane! GUEST: Thanks for having me, it's great to be here! HOST: To start, could you share a little about your experience and inspiration behind creating this course? GUEST: Absolutely! As an educator and researcher, I've seen the growing need for effective online communication skills. This course helps learners foster collaboration, manage online communities, and resolve conflicts in virtual environments. HOST: That's fascinating! With so many professionals working remotely these days, I imagine there must be some current industry trends relevant to the course. Could you share any insights? GUEST: Definitely. Digital literacy and the ability to navigate various online platforms are now essential skills for professionals. Our course covers best practices for using tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and learning management systems to facilitate engaging online discussions. HOST: I can see how valuable those skills would be. Now, when it comes to learning or teaching online discussion skills, what are some challenges you've encountered or observed? GUEST: One challenge is maintaining active listening in virtual environments. It's easy for participants to tune out or multi-task during online discussions, so we emphasize techniques for staying focused and engaged. Conflict resolution is another area where online communication can be tricky, so we dedicate a module to handling disagreements and maintaining positive online relationships. HOST: Those are important skills to master indeed. Lastly, could you share your thoughts on the future of online communication and how this course might help learners stay ahead of the curve? GUEST: I believe online communication will continue to play a significant role in both education and professional settings. By enrolling in our Graduate Certificate in Online Discussion Skills, learners can enhance their career prospects and become leaders in online communication, ensuring they're well-prepared for the future. HOST: Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing your insights and expertise with us today! I'm sure our audience will find this course incredibly valuable. To learn more, visit our website and enroll now to transform your online interaction abilities. Thanks again, and see you next time on our podcast!
