Discussion Boards are a significant part of your grade. This is where you communicate with your classmates and with me on various topics. To begin a discussion board, you will create a thread. In the thread, you will type your response to the writing prompt. These are usually due by 11:59 p.m. the Friday of the week (unless otherwise noted). You must then respond to two classmate’s initial posting, usually by 11:59 p.m. Sunday of the week.
Limit Responses:
Limit most discussion responses to 1‐2 screens. That’s approximately 24 lines per screen, depending upon your software package. Please also bear in mind that opening your message may take time, so avoid posts that simply say “Me too!” or “I agree!” Make every effort to ensure that your posts are substantive and concise. And a little humor is always welcome!
Interaction:
While there is a minimum requirement for participation in the discussion forums, it is not a maximum. You are required to respond to other students’ opinions (minimum of 2 students), offer helpful feedback, or answer questions in the interest of continuing the ongoing dialog of topics related to online learning. As always, exercise proper netiquette and maintain a tactful, respectful tone in your comments in this course.
Rubric:
Your posting on the Discussion Board will be evaluated on a scale based on the following criteria:
- Understanding. Student demonstrates a clear understanding of the concepts that are being discussed.
- Writing Skills. Student responses will be assessed based on the quality of their writing, such as spelling, grammar, syntax, sentence structure, etc.
- Application/Analysis. Student application and analysis of concepts are clear, as a result insight has been offered to the discussion.
- Peer Feedback. Student feedback to their peer’s posts are of high quality and timely. High quality demonstrates that the student is adding to the discussion and not just saying “I agree” or “You are right.” Timely means that the students meets the required deadline set for peer feedback.
