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The boundary between an assignment and an activity is blurry because points are generally awarded for conducting activities online. (e.g., in the online conference example above, the instructor awards a significant amount of points for both the paper and the response.)
It takes some work to get the prompts and assignment guidelines just right when working online.
Additional References
Better Teaching and Learning - By Design, adapted by Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University.
Getting Started with Active Learning, from Columbia University Center for Teaching and Learning
Fink, L. D. (2003). Creating significant learning experiences : an integrated approach to designing college courses (1st ed., Ser. Jossey-bass higher and adult education series). Jossey-Bass. Available for checkout from the Boise State Albertsons Library