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Discussion boards are the main forums for interaction in an online course. During semester, there will be seven discussion boards. They will take place on the odd-numbered weeks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. For each discussion, you most submit an original post of at least 150 words and a response to a colleague of at least 75 words.
The weekly discussions can be accessed in two ways: through the main menu (above) or the page for the week in which the discussion takes place (side menu).
Discussion Board Etiquette
Please respond in full sentences in correct English (not in texting language).
Please use upper and lower case.
Disagreement with the opinions of others is fine–even encouraged—but please show respect for fellow classmates in your responses.
Grading Details
Class participation via the discussion board makes up a significant percentage of your overall grade (15%).
To receive full credit (100%) for each discussion board:
– Submit your first post by Friday of each week at the latest. This is worth 80% of the weekly grade.
– Respond to the post of one other student by Sunday. This is worth 20% of the weekly grade.
– Make sure your first post is at least 150 words in length.
– Make sure your response to another student is at least 75 words. Comments such as “Nice post” or “I agree” are friendly but will not receive credit.
– Make sure you post in the week in which the discussion was assigned. For example, post your Week 3 response during Week 3.
A few other notes about discussion board grading
– The highest grade an original post can receive if it is submitted on the weekend is 75%
– Posts submitted as attachments will not be opened.
– Discussion boards cannot be “made up.” This is because once a discussion has closed, there is no one in the forum with whom to discuss anything. Understand that if everyone posted on the weekend, there would be no ongoing discussion during the week.
