Discussion Boards

Discussion Board assignments in this course will be used to support peer to peer interaction and reinforce many of the 21st century learning skills focusing on the ability to communicate productively with others, while incorporating different perspectives. Discussion board reflections will allow students to participate in the following:

Question and Answer (Q&A) Discussion Board:

You can post in this discussion board at any time throughout the course. Any question that comes up while you are going through the course you can post here. The instructor will respond and field any discussions or follow-ups where necessary.

Introduction Discussion

During week 1 of the course, you will post an introduction giving some of your background, educational and professional goals. Briefly discuss some of your expectations for this social studies course.

Weekly Self-Assessment Reflections

Post a discussion board per week of the course. Weekly discussion boards are provided for you to self-report on one piece of the lesson you experienced success with and one that was a challenge or caused confusion. You will receive participation points for your initial post and a post to respond to a peer, meeting outlined criteria.

Rubric: Weekly Discussion Board Reflections

Rubric SS

Discussion Board Etiquette

It is important to build a class climate that is welcoming and safe for everyone. Please display respect for everyone in the class. You should avoid racist, sexist, homophobic, or other negative language that may exclude members of our campus and classroom community.

Humor and sarcasm don’t translate very well when using email or online discussions. Be careful. I will delete any posting that I believe is inappropriate.
Keep in mind that there's a real, live human being with feelings on the other end of your email or discussion posting--if you were sitting in front of that person would you say to their face what you're saying in your email or discussion posting? Remember that your words are written in an email or discussion posting -- you can't take them back.
Avoid offensive language, especially comments that might be construed as racist or sexist.
Remember that the law still applies in cyberspace. Do not commit illegal acts online, such as libeling or slandering others, and do not joke about committing illegal acts.
Do not post a message more than once.
Generally speaking, avoid putting words into full capitals. Online, all-caps is considered SHOUTING.
If you are following up a previous message or posting, summarize that message or posting. Read existing follow-up postings and don’t repeat what has already been said.
Reveal only information that you are comfortable sharing.