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Some technical and logistical parameters can be automated. Some cannot. Here are some considerations:
A grouping of replies is called a “thread.” Using a thread allows students to engage in a separate discussion about a reply to a discussion post. These types of threads encourage a more detailed discussion adjacent to the main thread of the discussion. Threading is usually a good idea.
You may want students to formulate their own post before seeing other students' initial posts. This can be especially helpful when the focus is on individual students’ initial engagement with the prompt. It can also prevent two unproductive behaviors that are common in students: Parroting previous posts and struggling to compose a totally unique post. After students submit their initial reply they can engage with any of their classmates’ posts.
It may be helpful to limit the number of replies a student can post in a given discussion. This can prevent a small number of students from dominating the conversation and encourage a more equal distribution of student responses.
The length of a post is important, and you may choose to set a minimum and/or maximum.
Make sure you establish due dates for initial posts and replies. They should be separated by at least two days.
You may choose to close a discussion forum at a certain date so that your students can shift their focus to the next activity in the course.
Assigning some point value to a discussion forum tells your students that they are expected to participate.
You may choose to grade a discussion forum on a complete/incomplete basis to encourage participation and to make grading more efficient.
A discussion forum in a high-enrollment course can generate so many posts that it becomes chaotic and hard to follow. Considerations of size are discussed in Large and Small Discussions.
Discussion Prompt: Imagining the future
We're now living in the future—gene editing, face transplants, reanimating pig brains … What will happen next?
Your assignment this week is to imagine the world's next medical breakthrough. You can follow the current science to its logical end or you can speculate wildly, but be sure to back up your claims with evidence the lectures, readings, and other reputable sources.
Your initial post should be 250 to 500 words, and you should explain all of your decisions.
You will see your classmates' posts only after you post.
Note that this assignment is due on Wednesday the 2nd, then make at least 2 comments on classmates papers by Friday the 4th.
Writing a Discussion Post - Grading - Community Standards
Teaching Students How to Post - Technical and Logistical Parameters