SOME REMINDERS FOR THE ONLINE DISCUSSION

Discussion forum post is not that so different from the written requirements that you are submitting in
the face-to-face classroom set-up. It is not the same as social media discussions. Although it is not to be
as formal as research or term paper, it should not be too casual. As stated in the netiquette posted,
kindly check your sentence structure, spelling grammar, and punctuation. Try to avoid acronyms and
slang, and proofread your writing and if possible, refer to the dictionaries and grammar sources. Express
your ideas as clearly as possible

You can disagree with each other, but you should always be respectful and avoid attacking each other
personally and to avoid confusion and risk offending others, it is suggested that you avoid jokes and
sarcasm when posting.

It is usually best to make the posts just long enough to make a strong point. It is the quality that is
important. Originality and good a grasp of the knowledge/topic/concepts currently being discussed can
be expressed in a few sentences than about one-page posting.

You should take the discussion seriously by answering completely what is required. It should not be
rushed and unplanned. Give some efforts to think about what you going to type. Your responses should
be reflective of what you read in the original post or the reading materials. The responses should
continue the discussion and not digressing from it. Apply the course readings to your response which
means that you are internalizing the reading and thinking about it in a way that will allow you to apply
the knowledge in practice. This is the most important thing in the activity; it adds to your learning; it is
not for compliance’s sake so that you can say you did something to be counted but not thoroughly
thought about.

Avoid delaying posts by just observing how others will respond and discuss and wait for the last minute.
This will just decrease the quality of the discussion. Responding promptly will allow you to engage in the
conversation that helps everyone get the most out of the discussion.

Avoid just repeating points already posted by other students who promptly responded. You will not be
given credit for this. This means that you have to follow the discussion thoroughly. If you agree with
their idea then acknowledge them then add your ideas by giving some elaboration or proofs.

Credits/grades are based on the clarity, organization, critical thinking, and mechanics of the post. Zero
will be given to those who are not participating. Ranging from 10 to 25 % of the total points will be given
to those who tried to post something but not responsive to the required topic/problem/case. Ranging
from 26 to 50% to those who provided minimal and/or not original responses and have some problems
with the organization, logic and mechanics of posted responses. Ranging from 51 to 75 % to those who
somewhat responded to the requirements but have some problems with their organization, logic and
mechanics. And ranging from 76-100% to those who provided original, clear thinking, and good
mechanics.