Online Discussion Posting

Online Discussion Sites

Online discussion sites (also known as “message” or “bulletin” boards) now play a central role in most e-learning programs. Become skilled at using them effectively and you will get more out of the experience, and improve your grades at the same time! Here are a few simple rules:

Be Prepared!

You won’t be able to contribute usefully to the discussion, or take what you need from it, if you don’t know anything about the topic. Before you post anything make sure you have done the required reading and have a good understanding of the subject.

Discuss, Don’t Lecture

Remember that the purpose of the discussion board is to stimulate debate. You can help this process by

• responding to what other posters have written
• expanding on their ideas
• asking questions
• making objections

Don’t just state your own ideas and then go away without taking time to reply to feedback.

Courtesy Costs Nothing

You might never see your classmates face-to-face, but don’t forget that they are people too! Even if you disagree with a post always be courteous, and criticize the ideas and not the person.

Think First, Post Later

Don’t be hasty! Think about what you are going to say before you post and take the time to explain yourself clearly and grammatically.

Be Concise

Other posters don’t want to read a whole essay. If your post is too long other people won’t bother to read it. If you want useful replies, keep your comments on topic and make your posts no more than a single screen in length.

Source Educational Technology Center, Northeastern University

Other Student Resources

Online Discussion Postings

Avoid Plagiarism

Making the Most of Online Chat Sessions

Avoid Isolation

Be Effective Within Virtual Workgroups

Researching Online