Nobody is saying anything
A forum can be quite a fragile thing. If no-one says anything for a while, it becomes harder and harder to break the silence, and no-one feels like being the first to contribute. There can be a downward spiral until the forum becomes completely dormant.
Someone needs to be brave and break the spiral as soon as they realise what is happening. Here are some suggestions for things you can do at this point.
- Ask a question that prompts a response. "Can anyone explain the bit where it says ... ?"
- Respond if anyone else tries to break the silence.
- Conspire with someone else to get an argument going: take sides on an issue and debate it vigorously, with appeals to the rest of the group to join each 'side'.
- Start a discussion on something crucial to the course, such as how to tackle the next assignment, or prepare for an exam.
Next: Using Elluminate
