Reading and Online Discussion
The
chapter readings are self-explanatory. The discussion groups have been
designed for you to get on the internet and respond to questions
designated by the instructor or group facilitator. Each student will be
typing into the internet in response to the questions, but also in
response to other students’ opinions, suggestions, and ideas. The
instructor will be reviewing the discussion each unit period and
determining the participation level of each student.
Class participation credit is earned by adding to the discussion and responding to the instructor’s as well as other students' questions. The instructor will review the discussion comments and rate them as either social (which is acceptable and important for course work in groups, but should be kept to a minimum), and as contributing to the subject matter (also an important aspect of discussion groups).
Students who have used online discussion in the past have been surprised how well they get to know one another (I’ve been told they found out who’s pregnant, who’s been ill, who needs assistance with class notes, etc!). I know that some very purposeful and scholarly discussion are communicated. The length or the amount that each student types in or discusses is not dictated. You must, however, read ALL of the discussion and contribute by typing in once during each module.
