Discussion Forum Guidelines (IMPORTANT)

What are discussions?

Online discussions are like discussions we might have in class on a certain topic.

How do they work?

I post a question on-line that I want you to answer.

Sometimes I have you read or research something or watch a video before you post your answer to the question. 

After you post your answer, you MUST reply to the posts of at least 2 other students in the class.

When are they due?

  • Your first or main post to each discussion is due Tuesday by 11:59 pm. 
  • Your replies to the posts of at least 2 other students are due on Friday by 11:59 pm.

What should my answer look like?  How much is it worth? 

Your original answer is worth up to 60 points. 

You need to provide thoughtful, well-articulated, and meaningful responses to the questions. This is the critical thinking stuff. 

Ok, so what do I do after I answer the question?

After you answer the question, you reply to the posts of at least two other students.  Each reply is worth up to 20 points.

Say something of substance in the reply:  Just “I agree / disagree with you” or the equivalent doesn’t count and will receive 0 points.  

How am I graded?

You are graded on whether what you wrote was thoughtful, well-articulated, demonstrated that you understood and answered the question or replied at a college level. 

If you have an opinion, you won't be graded on what your opinion is but only on how clearly you expressed it.

What else are you looking for?

  • You are expected to support your comments with literature or other research.
  • I encourage you to post internet links, articles, etc. to aid in understanding.

Anything more?

  • Discussions are for educational purposes; shared knowledge helps us all learn.

  • Responses should indicate agreement/disagreement and why. You might offer an alternative explanation or provide peers with additional information, such as an article or website.  Again, shared knowledge is good.

  • If you see a reply to one of your posts and they didn't understood, give them the benefit of the doubt. Communicating on-line is very difficult.  But you can always reply with a clarification.  This is called a discussion board for a reason:  I want you to have a discussion.

How do I post to the Discussion Board?

  • You can write your answers (and replies) or you can post videos.

What are the rules for the posts?

  • Respectful 
    • Whether your view is pro or con or whether you agree with another student or not,  you posts must be informative, friendly, and useful. 
    • In today’s hyper-online, twitter-powered world, it is too easy to just flame or troll someone or something you don’t like and go on.  That is not acceptable.  I want you to learn to think critically and answer effectively and respectfully.
    • If what you say or write is disrespectful, deliberately inflammatory or otherwise not in accordance with the COD Student Code of Conduct, Links to an external site. you will receive zero points and may be referred for discipline.
    • I reserve the right to delete any post that is inappropriate, disrespectful, or doesn't conform to these guidelines.
  • Videos
    • Keep all your video postings to between about 1 - 2 minutes each. ( I have a lot to grade and I will stop listening after 2 minutes.)
    • Before you start recording, write down an outline of what you want to say.  This will help you organize your thoughts and avoid rambling.
  • Written posts
    • These should be at least 150 words. 
  • Both
    • One sentence posts are not good enough.  If you just say "I agree / disagree" you will get zero points
    • Use good grammar and be organized.  This is a college course. 
    • If I can't understand what you are saying you won't get any points

How do I make a video?

There are instructions on the next page,