Susan Levine (2002) 1. The instructor will start each discussion by posting one or more questions at the beginning of each week (Sunday or Monday). The discussion will continue until the following Sunday night, at which time the discussion board will close for that week. 2. Please focus on the questions posted. But—do bring in related thoughts and material, other readings, or questions that occur to you from the ongoing discussion. 3. You are expected to post at least two substantive messages for each discussion question. Your postings should reflect an understanding of the course material. 4. Your postings should advance the group’s negotiation of ideas and meanings about the material; that is, your contributions should go beyond a “ditto.” Some ways you can further the discussion include: • expressing opinions or observations. These should be offered in depth and supported by more than personal opinion. • making a connection between the current discussion and previous discussions, a personal experience, or concepts from the readings, • commenting on or asking for clarification of another student’s statement, • synthesizing other students’ responses, or • posing a substantive question aimed at furthering the group’s understanding. (Levine, 2002) Nada Dabbagh (2000), • Postings should be evenly distributed during the discussion period (not concentrated all on one day or at the beginning and/or end of the period). • Postings should be a minimum of one short paragraph and a maximum of two paragraphs. • Avoid postings that are limited to “I agree” or “great idea,” etc. If you agree (or disagree) with a posting then say why you agree by supporting your statement with concepts from the readings or by bringing in a related example or experience. • Address the questions as much as possible (don’t let the discussion stray). • Try to use quotes from the articles that support your postings. Include page numbers when you do that. • Build on others’ responses to create threads. • Bring in related prior knowledge (work experience, prior coursework, readings, etc.). • Use proper etiquette (proper language, typing, etc.). |
|