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Aric Mine, an Instructor at Fresno State, uses an episode from Radiolab as a foundation for discussion in an introductory assignment in a climate change and environmental science class. It was formerly just a short answer response submission by individual students (file uploaded; screenshot of discussion prompt) which has now been expanded to include a discussion on Canvas that helps segway to the following week where water usage is introduced with a Jamboard (linked). This exercise engages students via three different means of communication and interaction. They listen to a podcast, reflect on their understanding and communicate that understanding in written form to the instructor and to their peers in an active discussion. They're also then subsequently engaged with a Jamboard that builds off this introductory activity, expanding the engagement tools used in this course.

Kathaleen Valdez, an Instructor from Fresno State, uses a brief weekly discussion to help facilitate a line of communication between the student and the instructor by providing a way for students to check-in. The discussion encourages them to let the instructor know how they are doing in regards to the class or just life. It helps them know that there is someone else out there that has their back and is concerned about how they are doing and lets the instructor know if there is a need to contact the student for additional assistance. In addition, the discussion can be used as a way to monitor student participation.

Instructor Timothy Drachlis from Fresno State, created an exercise and discussion whereby students learn more about journalism ethics. Working in groups, students select from 5 scenarios where they collaboratively develop a presentation using lectures, readings, and research as they apply the code of ethics to their respective scenario.

Aaron Schuelke, an Instructor at Fresno State, developed a discussion activity where students read the article "It's Just a Movie" by Greg M. Smith. They then create slides on a Google Jamboard analyzing two films of their choosing, using very brief reflections (post-its) and images from the film. They then respond to at least two classmates' work in a small group discussion on Canvas.

Lizhu Davis, an Instructor at Fresno State, created an assignment which includes; 1) the purpose and learning objectives of the assignment, 2) streamlined the guideline to give students a clearer instruction, and 3) a well developed grading rubric. Students are also given choice around how they want to approach the assignment.