Statement on Discussion Forums

These forums are intended for you to share your work and actively build community
with other learners/participants in this course. We encourage you to share materials
and ideas with other participants to solicit feedback, and foster a diverse network of
learners interested in this topic.

In the spirit of creating an inclusive and engaged community, we offer the following
recommendations about interacting with others in discussion forums:

● Be open to new ideas. Discussion is about hearing what others have to say
and working to shape and reshape your own thoughts and perspectives.
Different perspectives can further everyone’s understanding of the issue or
concept being discussed – they represent opportunities for learning.

● Work to create group cohesion. Discussions are about group learning. When
you function well as a group, you will be more open to all the benefits that this
type of learning can offer. Give positive feedback to one another, use light
humor, and avoid comments that could be taken as insulting.

● Enjoy yourself. The online environment comes with many benefits, including
learning from your peers in addition to the course team. Take advantage of
the opportunity offered by discussion forums to build networks with your
learners and hone your skills and ideas.

If you encounter any issues with discussion forums in this course, please contact edX
support for help: https://courses.edx.org/support/contact_us

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the purpose of the discussion boards?

The discussion boards are an opportunity for you to engage in conversation about
what you are learning in this course. They provide you with a chance to express your
own questions and comments about the course material and also to learn from your
peers.

What should I write about in my discussion board posts?

Any questions, comments, or criticisms that arise directly from the course material
are proper subjects for discussion in the forum. Feel free to ask about or comment on
anything you think is important or interesting in the course.

Who can participate in the discussion forum?

Anyone who is registered for the course can participate in the discussion forums.

When should I participate in the forums? When can I post comments and questions?
You may post to the forums at whatever time you wish during the course.

How frequently should I post to the forums?

You can post as frequently or infrequently as you like. Try not to monopolize the
discussion forum, but strive to spark new discussions and contribute to existing
discussions.