Sample requirements: You must actively participate in two discussion forums during each module. The instructor will post thought-provoking questions, statements, or quotations using the course discussion feature. You are expected to contribute to each discussion in a meaningful way by adding new information, looking at the topic from a different perspective, or sharing relevant personal experiences. Proper documentation should be included if a source other than the textbook is quoted or paraphrased in a post. Since these posts are academic in nature, proper spelling and grammar are expected. It is also expected that irrelevant personal comments or information will not be posted. You are expected to thoughtfully read the opinions and ideas posted by your classmates and the instructor as an important component of this course.

For each discussion forum you are required to comment substantively on at least one [two for grad classes] classmate’s post. This responsive post must add to the overall discussion, not merely be a general or encouraging comment (i.e., “Great post!” would be unacceptable). Discussion posts will be graded using a rubric, and you are encouraged to view the rubric before beginning to post.

The discussion area of an online course is a community sharing area. As such, all information posted in the discussions area will be viewable by both the instructor and the students enrolled in this course. In the case of individual or group discussions, access is limited to only the individual or those who are part of the group. Individual or group discussions will be clearly labeled.