Online Discussion Guidelines

Online Discussions

The learning in a fully online course is greatly enhanced through the exchange of student ideas in the discussion forums and is in lieu of traditional face-to-face discussions. Thus the discussion forum is an integral part of this course and counts as a significant part of your grade.

As in a traditional class, student discussions should be conducted in a respectful, courteous manner. All perspective are considered as we learn with each other and response posts should reflect your professionalism and leadership. Please refrain from threats, ad hominem attacks, and other disrespectful rhetorical tactics. Failure to conduct oneself in a respectful manner in the discussion forums will adversely affect your grade.

A discussion forum is a thoughtful and complete comment or response to a question or topic. Discussion forums take the place of classroom discussion and usually involve one or more classmates in dialog. The purpose of discussion is to dialog with classmates and faculty about ideas presented in readings and learning activities as well as to enhance learning through application of concepts and key points.

All postings are expected to be thoughtful responses to stated questions or participants' comments. It is expected that you substantiate your opinions with references. The individual response posting should consist of at least 100 words about the question (the length may vary depending on the topic,use your judgment if a longer response is required).

You are expected to respond to two other learners or as the assignment dictates. This response needs to reflect your reading and analysis of the response and your thoughts regarding it. Plan your posting early in the week to allow for some exchange before week´s end. Stay current with your postings and responses to each week´s discussion, as it will not only help the discussion process, but is a requirement for the successful completion of the course.

Grading is based on both quantity and quality (relevance, clarity, completeness) of your response. Quality postings are more than "Good job!" or "I agree with you!" If you agree with a classmate, explain the reasons for this. If you disagree with a classmate, provide reasons to support your position.

Socratic Questioning

Thinking is driven by questions. Throughout your discussion activities you will be expected to use Socratic questioning. Socratic questioning is a method that not only keeps the discussion moving but may provide healthy debate or even a little 'devil's advocate' questioning. As you participate in the discussion, strive to dig deep beneath the surface of the issue, topic, or problem at hand. Examine assumptions and perspectives posted by others. Certainly, if you don´t understand what has been said in the discussion, ask a question for clarity. This form of questioning is meant to push your thinking so please don´t ask questions only for questions sake.

*Socratic Questioning includes:

• Conceptual clarification questions
• Probing assumptions
• Probing rationale, reasons or evidence
• Explores viewpoints and perspectives with an open mind
• Probing implications and consequences

*Source: http://changingminds.org/techniques/questioning/socratic_questions.htm

Tips for a Successful Online Discussion

• Check grammar and spelling. Use the spell check. Read or preview your message before posting it.
• Use a subject line that is short, descriptive, and distinctive so as not to confuse the class. For example, if a message´s subject line in week 8 reads simply "week 8," it provides no clue as to content. A subject line that reads "product costs" at least tells us what the message is about.
• Change the subject line if the conversation has changed or if the focus has shifted.
• Format the message. Use lists and spaces between paragraphs to make the message easy to read and respond to.
• Reference other messages from your classmates.
• Use citations and references if you are quoting another author or your textbook, or any ideas that are not originally your own in both your inital posting and in replies.
• Avoid file attachments. Keep file attachments to a minimum because the conversation stops while the file is downloaded. It can also be difficult to respond to a message that has only a file attachment and no text. You are welcome to compose your message in Microsoft Word but please do not post it as an attachment in the discussion, instead copy the text and then paste it into the thread. Keep in mind that you might loose your formatting.
  • If a file is attached, be sure to explain briefly in the message what the attachment contains to facilitate the conversation. Article attachments are ok.
• Think value-added. To reduce anxiety about the number of messages, ensure that your message adds value to the discussion. Messages that are appropriate face-to-face yet do not add value to online discussions include the common courtesies of saying "Thanks" and "You´re welcome." In an online course, everyone does not need to read these. When replying you may reply to the sender or to the discussion topic, so use reply to the sender privately when appropriate so that the number of non- value-added messages is kept to a minimum.
• Add links. Reference your research just as you would in a written paper. For example, use quotation marks for direct quotes and cite sources as appropriate. Also test the URL by previewing your message. To test links you may have added, formatting, and spelling, preview the message before posting it.

Online Grading Rubric