7 Discussion Board Suggestions

Participating in online discussions requires clear communication. Your goal is to post succinct, pertinent, thought-full comments. Here are a few reminders to consider.

Your colleagues will appreciate postings that:

• are relevant: on topic, relate to assigned readings
• are brief, but dense: information dense (say a lot in the least number of words)
• are well-crafted: clear, well-organized, logical
• are respectful, culturally appropriate, and constructive
• are connected, integrated, synthesized: readings, others’ postings, and your experience are woven together
• provide evidence of analytical thinking and/or critical reflection
• bring in new ideas or resources that enrich the discussion
• advance the thinking, learning, and dialogue of the group

It’s important we demonstrate presence to create a stronger learning community. To develop your online presence, be active and aware of other participants in the class. You don’t need to respond to each post, but do notice whether all posts are acknowledged by someone. Tending to team members’ learning needs will enrich everyone’s learning and the energy of the team.

An important aspect of participatory  learning is group/team maintenance. For such courses to achieve their educational potential, learners need to take care of each other and support each other’s learning. Replying to another colleague’s post with a simplistic ”yes”, “I agree” or “good job” is rarely useful and can clutter up a discussion thread. Thinking of something new and substantive to say can be challenging, but it can also push you and deepen your own learning.