Hi Everyone!
We received several questions regarding discussion boards during today's ECx session. I'll address some of them here but feel free to ask more specific questions and add your own perspectives.
- Time Constraints: Replying to every student at least once does take time - this can be loosened as the semester progresses but you need to remain present to monitor and guide the discussion. I provided two recommendations: (1) setting aside a small window of time each day to reply to students and (2) predict student responses as they relate to your expectations. As with any assignment, you can be more efficient in your replies to the students (feedback) if you have identified the key elements of a stellar response and how they compare to the range of responses you may receive from your students.
- Unequal participation: Every student will have their own level of participation and comfort with the discussion board process. What you set as the instructor is the minimum expectations for participation. Just as you would in the classroom, if you have a student who is dominating the conversation or one that is not sufficiently participating, you need to set aside a time to talk with them individually.
Another issue not brought up today is off-topic, disrespectful, inappropriate, or plagiarized posts. Unfortunately, the lag-time between when a student makes a post and when you see it means other students may have already seen and replied to the post. If you are able, a quick glance every few hours during the day at new posts is usually enough to make sure discussions are still active and positive. I also recommend language in the syllabus on how you will deal with these posts so it is clear to the students and you can take action quickly (removal, resubmit, zero, etc.).
As I mentioned at the start of this post, feel free to ask questions and add your own experiences / tips. There was a request to see some of the language I've used for discussion boards before. For those interested see below:
The discussion boards are an important component to online learning. Participation points for the discussion boards are based on timely, substantive posts. To receive full credit, you must:
- Post an initial thoughtful response (approximately 200 words) to the discussion question by the date stated
- This post should integrate theory from the weekly content into your response demonstrating a deeper and/or broader understanding of the material
- Participate on the discussion boards at least 2 days during the week with 3 substantive posts
- A substantive post will ask a question and/or add new information or perspectives to the discussion – do not simply agree/disagree with a post without further explanation
I will also evaluate the grammar & mechanics of your posts so please proofread all responses. Posts must be professional and respectful. Disrespectful posts will not be tolerated and may be grounds for lost participation points. As instructor, I reserve the right to remove any post deemed off-topic, disrespectful, or inappropriate.
Please note that plagiarism in any form is a serious offense. Discussion posts that are not properly cited and contain copied/plagiarized information will be given a zero and removed. Additional steps may be taken depending on the frequency and severity of this issue (please see the Plagiarism policy).
------------------------------
Carolyn Rodak Ph.D., A.M.ASCE
Assistant Professor
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica NY
------------------------------