Discussions

=Click on the links below to access our bi-weekly discussions.=

(Complete directions and a grading rubric are provided below.)
Discussion Week 1 Discussion Week 3 Discussions Instructions: =Through asynchronous discussions you will have opportunities to communicate with your classmates on a variety of discussion topics. The term asynchronous means the occurrence of processes at different times – and in our situation – different places. = = = =In this course, there are both informal and formal discussions. Some discussions are for your questions and comments, while others pose a specific question/topic for you to address with your peers. = =Informal Discussions-Community Questions is open forum where you can ask questions about the class, the syllabus, wiki, technology problems, working with the kindergartners, etc... = =Formal discussions-During the class you will be participating in formal discussions. Follow these directions: Participating in interactive discussions requires balancing the following: =
 * Critical Thinking
 * Well-thought out comments requiring careful
 * interpretation of the question/topic
 * formation of responses
 * Precise and succinct postings
 * Mean what you say and say what you mean
 * Keep your word count down … rambling is not effective communication
 * As in any conversation, it is not necessary to comment on everything; choose your responses carefully
 * Postings
 * Timing
 * Each week you will have two responsibilities
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Post once in response to the question/topic
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Post twice in response to your classmates’ responses
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Once you have met the timing deadlines, you are free to respond as often as you determine necessary. Please note, though, that quantity of posting is not taken into consideration in grading. (See grading rubric below)

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Discussion Rubric: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">NOTE: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I strongly suggest that you write your responses in a GoogleDoc first and then post them to the discussion area. Internet connections can vary and losing what you’ve worked hard to create is frustrating!
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">8-10 points || <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4-7 points || <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1-3 points ||
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Your post answered most of the questions asked in a clear & concise manner. You responded thoughtfully to at least two of your classmates posts. || <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Your post answered some of the the questions asked with evidence of thought and reflection. Your responses to other posts were lacking in quantity or quality. || <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You answered very few of the questions asked &/or your answers did not show evidence of meaningful reflection. Your responses to posts lacked both quality and quantity. ||

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">These discussion directions were adapted from those written by Dr. Cheri Toledo.