The online discussion feature is the most widely used tool in any course management system, but encouraging students to converse online in a meaningful way continues to be a challenge. The answer is to become a more effective facilitator of online discussion activities. Drawing upon recent research, Ava Wolf (CITES Academic Technology Services) will present useful tools and suggestions for creating and managing online discussions in any learning management system. Co-sponsored by CITES-ATS and Center for Teaching Excellence.