1. Post early
If you wait until the last day of the discussion, you will only be conversing with yourself. Share your ideas while they are fresh on your mind.
2. Research further
Go beyond the given material and add your own research findings, a nice Google search can help drum up some solid resources.
3. Share personal experiences
You do not need to give every intimate detail of a personal experience, share what you feel comfortable contributing. People connect more with a posting when they can relate to it.
4. Be brief
Avoid the "scroll of death," if you don't even want to read what you typed, no one else will! Be brief, but remain on topic.
5. Be respectful
Use appropriate language and respect everyone's diverse viewpoint. Remember the Golden Rule!
6. Cite your sources
Tell us where you found it so we can find the information for future reference.
7. Post often
Remember, it is not a conversation if only one person is talking!
8. Avoid the "I Agree" reply
I agree is not great feedback, explain further and tell them WHY it is that you agree.
9. Stay on track
It is very easy to leave the track and start talking about what you are for dinner, but try add relevant personal experiences.
10. Focus on quality
Make your post thought-provoking and engaging as much as possible. Make people want to reply!
Here is a GREAT video I found on YouTube about Discussion Board Etiquette, Check it out:
Hi Amy-
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips! I am a first year online student, and find myself struggling in the online discussions. I am definitely going to use some of your advice to get myself ahead in my online world.
Hey Amy! These are some great tips! It would be nice to see something like this as an intro for students in the ILT program! I'm curious how you came up with this list. Is it based on your experience as a student? A teacher? Both?
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. I think that your post, from a design standpoint, is super engaging. I love that you include a picture, a clear list with concise information, and a video. Nice job! I'd be interested to know your top ten "don'ts" for online discussion. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tips! I find the "post early", "post often", and "be brief" to be the most effective in my personal experience. Do you think our class does a good job following these tips? Where do you see areas where we are in need of improvement?