Resources for Hosting Video Debates.

You can create an online debate with any number of online video conferencing materials. Skype, UStream, or Mogulus provide free options for creating debates.

Resources for Hosting Text Based Debates.

You can also create a debate in a Ning, class message board, a blog, or a wiki. You could even create (ongoing) debates on Facebook if you thought class participation would be enhanced. The complication with text debates is that you may want to do word counts insteead of time limits. There are also several options for hosting real time text debates about important social issues including Meebo.

Picking a Topic

The easiest way to pick a topic is to brainstorm, check out this debate topic list, or use one of the lists available in "Debate Across the Curriculum."

Picking a Format

(TBA)

Finding a Class to Debate With

I would suggest connecting with people on an educational Ning social networking site, perhaps a Facebook group, or maybe a conference on educational technology. Of course e-mail list servs, education technology blogs, and Twitter all provide ways to connect with educators who are like minded.

Bibliography and Resources

Intro to debate across the curriculum

Middle School Debate

Speak Out! Debate and Public Speaking in the Middle Grades

Debate Across the Curriculum Book (buy it used)

A Research Based Justification for Debate Across the Curriculum

Value of Debate from Urban Debate League.org

Resolved Debate Documentary (fast speaking style debate)

Second Life Debate Succeeds from Debate Central at the University of Vermont

Learn to Debate from Debate Central

Other Debate Websites and Resources

I've compiled a list of free debate resources online as well as this guide to distance learning and e-learning tools including video.

Return to the front page of the Virtual Gaming Classroom Wiki or visit our innovative videos section. Remember, we need YOU to participate.