Online discussion options?

Postby **Tomas** » Thu May 21, 2015 3:29 pm

For the last several years, I am facing the following "problem": Apparently, I am quite an effective professor (

), so after I finish teaching my course, there is always a group of students that tell/email me something like "I have never though that I'd be interested in your subject, but now I am thinking about making it my major. But I'd like to know more about the career options I would face - both in general, and withing our geographic region."

This year, I identified a group of past "star" graduates, and I would like to invite them to share and discuss their experiences online with the prospective new majors. What are the best platforms for such a discussion? Basically, I just need something that (a) can be made "by invitation only" and (b) has a "message-board-like" ability for people to react to posts, ask additional questions, etc.?

Thank you for any suggestions?

Postby **dodint** » Thu May 21, 2015 3:56 pm

The easiest way would be a Facebook or LinkedIn group. A more elaborate way would be what we have here at FAF, a small phpBB. You can get them on the cheap if your audience is small.

Postby **King Colby** » Thu May 21, 2015 4:41 pm

Invite them all to 5AF and start a thread in the Off Topic area... everybody wins!

Postby **ExPatriatePen** » Thu May 21, 2015 4:46 pm

Tomas, will the school support Webex? Webex will give you access control and voice as well.

Postby **MalkinIsMyHomeboy** » Thu May 21, 2015 4:56 pm

LGP, I don't think anyone goes there anymore

Postby **columbia** » Thu May 21, 2015 4:58 pm

LGP, I don't think anyone goes there anymore

No action in NHR, but the Pens talk seems about as active as here.

Postby **Avyran** » Thu May 21, 2015 5:01 pm

The easiest way would be a Facebook or LinkedIn group. A more elaborate way would be what we have here at FAF, a small phpBB. You can get them on the cheap if your audience is small.

I second the Facebook group (though LinkedIn would probably be more professional). Can also do a Google group, if I recall correctly.

The Facebook group was pretty good when I used it for work. Closed group, can facilitate who's in & who's not, etc.

Postby **Silentom** » Fri May 22, 2015 7:39 am

LGP, I don't think anyone goes there anymore
No action in NHR, but the Pens talk seems about as active as here.

And mostly negative.

Postby **columbia** » Fri May 22, 2015 7:41 am

LGP, I don't think anyone goes there anymore
No action in NHR, but the Pens talk seems about as active as here.
And mostly negative.

Have you read last night's discussion of Despres (here)?

Postby **Silentom** » Fri May 22, 2015 7:42 am

LGP, I don't think anyone goes there anymore
No action in NHR, but the Pens talk seems about as active as here.
And mostly negative.
Have you read last night's discussion of Despres (here)?

I make it a point to avoid the dead horse beating in that thread.

It happened. It was 2 months ago. Time to move on.

Postby **Tomas** » Fri May 22, 2015 5:37 pm

Thanks for the advice! Since I hate Facebook, and I have no presence on LinkedIn, at the end it will simply be a Blackboard message board...

Postby **tifosi77** » Fri May 22, 2015 6:14 pm

Fwiw, I think the LinkedIn route would be a good way to go. That group would then be visible on all the members' profiles, so people (like future employers, etc) could see the students being active in the community.

Postby **DigitalGypsy66** » Sat May 23, 2015 9:21 am

What about Reddit?