Discussion Board Replacement
The Problem with Traditional Discussion Boards
Students treat them like checkboxes.
Post the minimum, respond to two classmates with "I “agree” and never look back. Zero meaningful engagement.
You can't tell who actually prepared.
ChatGPT writes perfectly adequate discussion posts. Students copy and paste without thinking.
Grading is subjective and time-consuming.
You're reading dozens of posts trying to evaluate "participation" with no clear metrics.
No real discussion happens.
Threaded forums don't create dialogue—they create isolated monologues that no one reads.
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How Breakout Learning Discussion Replacement Works
Your Content
Use whatever materials you're already assigning—textbook chapters, articles, case studies, videos, podcasts. Breakout Learning transforms how students engage with your content.
Your Questions
You create the discussion prompts and scenarios that matter to your course. What do you want students to debate? What concepts should they apply? What perspectives should they consider? You design the conversation.
Expert Crafted Rubrics
We provide AI-powered evaluation rubrics that objectively assess critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and peer engagement.
Live Peer Conversations Replace Written Posts
Students meet in small groups on the platform for structured discussions. AI moderates, keeps conversations on track, and ensures everyone contributes meaningfully.
Real-Time Accountability
Students can't fake preparation when peers are waiting for their contribution. Group dynamics create natural motivation to show up ready.
Instant Assessment and Insights
AI evaluates each student's contribution during the discussion itself. You get detailed analytics immediately.
FAQ: “Can these assignments be done solo?”
Answer: yes, discussion board replacement assignments can be done solo. Please note that the interactive companion, “Sophia,” is not available for solo discussions. Instead, students will be prompted through simple moderation to speak their answers out loud.
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What You Get
Authentic Engagement
Students actually talk to each other. They build on ideas, challenge assumptions, and practice articulating their thinking in real-time.
AI-Resistant Assignments
You can't use ChatGPT to participate in live conversation. Students must understand the material to contribute meaningfully.
Instant Insights
See exactly what's happening in every discussion.
Seamless LMS Integration
Works directly in Canvas and Brightspace D2L. Assignments sync automatically. Grades transfer with no extra work.
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Perfect For
- Weekly discussion assignments
- Reading comprehension checks
- Case study debriefs
- Concept application exercises
- Peer learning activities
- Any low-stakes formative assessment currently using discussion boards
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AI Evaluation: Beyond Participation Points
Critical Thinking
Students connect concepts, explain reasoning, and propose solutions
Evidence-Based Decision Making
Students cite course material, defend positions, and address counterarguments
Collaborative Engagement
Students ask questions, build on peers' ideas, and contribute constructively
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What Instructors Are Saying
"I used to have students watch videos before coming to class. Now I have them watch a video and engage in an online, student-led discussion. They’re bringing new ideas and participating in class in novel ways, which has exceeded my expectations."