Discussion+and+Reflections


 * __Assignment Description__:** Students will be required to post to this page 3 times per week. Discussions and reflections allow both the online learner and instructor to interact with one another and with other members of the class. Discussions may be between members of a group working on the same project, they may be responses to questions I have posed to the class, etc...Reflections allow students to share their experiences in this class with others. You will be expected to respond periodically to other people's posts as well.


 * Discussion "Rules"**
 * 1) Say something of substance rather than echoing other peoples’ responses. If you wish to agree with someone, that’s okay but also add another thought to deepen the conversation.
 * 2) If you disagree with someone, state why and offer a rationale. Remember to address the issue, not attack the person.
 * 3) Add a new topic to the discussion when you change thoughts. Otherwise, reply to the post.
 * 4) Online discussions are not a competition to see who can post the most. They are a thoughtful, considered discussion of critical issues. State your point then back it up with information from readings, life events, etc. Push for deep understanding.
 * 5) Discussions take place over time, don’t wait until the last minute to make your posts.

Communication and conduct in the course community will be held to the standards of academic achievement, discipline, equal opportunity, student rights and regulations, and policies specified for any course at the institution. Some netiquette guidelines:
 * Please read and follow the netiquette below when posting to the discussions and communicating online.**
 * // What is netiquette? //**

a. Respect the **privacy** of your classmates and what they share in class. b. Ask classmates for **clarification** if you find a discussion posting offensive or difficult to understand. c. **Avoid sweeping generalizations.** Back up your stated opinions with facts and reliable sources. d. Understand that **we may disagree** and that exposure to other people’s opinions is part of the learning experience. e. Be **respectful** of each other. We’re all in this together. Before posting a comment, ask whether you would be willing to make the same comment to a person's face. f. Keep in mind that everything you write, indeed **every click of your mouse is recorded on the network server.** On the Internet there are no take backs. g. Keep in mind that you are **taking a class**. Something that would be inappropriate in a traditional classroom is also inappropriate in an online classroom.
 * // Behind Every Name There is a Person //**

a. Be aware that typing in **all capital letters indicates shouting**. b. **Be careful with humor and sarcasm.** Both can easily be misunderstood! c. Review all discussion postings before posting your own to **prevent redundancy.** d. Check your writing for errors by **reviewing what you’ve written** before submitting it. e. **Acronyms** (LOL, etc.) and **emoticons** (smilies) are commonly used online, but be careful not to overuse them. f. Many communications with your instructor or fellow students are best handled through **email**. Only post on the **classroom discussion board** if the conversation is relevant to others in the class.
 * // Online Communication //**

*Leanne: Policy Handbook, Program Evaluation Basics