DOCUMENT by: ESC Training
Subject: Instructions for Discussion
You may want to print this document out.
Your next task will be to participate in an online discussion. This document provides instructions on how to initiate and respond to discussions [i.e., a sample of the kind of instructions supplied to students]. You can also return to the SLN Student Orientation for a "refresher."
A "discussion thread" is started each time you submit a discussion item. Each response to the original question is indented once - a response to a response is indented a second time - etc. This system of indents helps us determine which responses go together. By using the "collapse" and "expand," , and "next" or "previous" document menu options in the navigational bar of the course, or by using the "collapse"
and "expand" 
"twisties," you can follow the give and take of a threaded discussion - the web equivalent of a classroom discussion.
Responding to the main item
To compose your response to a main discussion item you are reading, click on the "Respond" link located at the bottom of that page. In the form, title your response in the Subject field and then respond in the boxed area. A good title tells something of the nature of your personal response. "Response to Discussion 1" is not a very useful title, particularly if everyone in your course uses the same one.
Responding to someone else's response
If you are already reading someone else's response document, click on the "Respond" link located at the bottom of that page to respond to that response. Make sure that you respond on the document intended so that your contribution will line up in the threaded discussion in the right place.
Submitting your response
When you have completed your response, click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page.
Correcting your response
If you discover an error in your document after you submit it, a misspelled word or an incomplete thought, you can "Edit" your document. The Edit button appears at the top of your document after you submit it the first time. When you have finished your edits, click the submit button at the bottom of the page.
Netiquette
As discussion is of a public nature, please observe proper "netiquette" -- courteous and appropriate forms of communication and interaction over the Internet (in online discussions). This means no personal attacks, obscene language, or intolerant expression. All viewpoints should be respected.
Quality discussion responses
Responses such as: "I agree.", "Good question" or "Good answer" are not acceptable as substantive responses [i.e., if your course has requirements for a minimum number of submissions per student in a discussion, such responses should not count towards that requirement]. Any response that is just an opinion, or is unsubstantiated, any response that is carelessly typed, poorly thought-out, grammatically incorrect or confusing, any response that is disrespectful of another student or any other person, etc., are not acceptable. A high quality response applies a concept from the text or course in a meaningful way, or facilitates understanding of the course material or topic. Responses should indicate that you have critically thought about the discussion topic and demonstrate that you can apply and articulate the knowledge you are learning. Your responses should be well organized and grammatically correct. Substantive responses don't just deliver opinions, but also offer justification for them and should cite sources when appropriate.
Expected Quantity of Responses
Full participation in each discussion requires that you not only respond to the initial discussion item, but that you return at a later date to read the responses of others, and respond to at least two other person's comments. Treat it as a conversation. Think about how you would feel if you made an observation in a traditional classroom setting and no one responded!
Discussion Open and Close Dates
There may be more than one discussion item in a module. Be sure to note the start and end dates of the discussions so that the discussion area will be active and open for your participation.
If you have any questions about participating in the class discussion, please click on the ASK A QUESTION link below. Now go to the next document to read about the specific discussion activity.
