Poetic protocol: Using poetry to synthesise information on asynchronous online discussion boards

Online education is increasingly prevalent, making online discussion boards important for course development and student engagement. This manuscript presents a method for maximising the effectiveness of asynchronous online discussion boards: a poetic protocol designed to enhance student engagement, improve the quantity and quality of interactions, and enhance learning. The protocol synthesises group work insights from 3–4 members, with a rotating facilitator creating a cohesive, poetic representation of their diverse perspectives. This approach enriches the final expression with creativity, content understanding, and collective input. The rationale and context for this innovation are provided, alongside the poetic protocol and examples of student work to illustrate the process. Implementation considerations are also discussed. These techniques give instructors another tool to incorporate a non-traditional way of exhibiting knowledge, enhancing creativity, and broadening exploration of materials. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of how the poetic protocol can enhance online discussion boards.