The document provides tips for participating effectively in online discussions. It recommends using creative titles, focusing comments on analyzing stories rather than summarizing plots, stating opinions while respecting others, backing up arguments with evidence, taking notes during readings, posting early and regularly to discussions, reading classmates' posts daily to further the discussion, and devoting sufficient time to the discussions as they are often heavily weighted for grades.

2. Number 12
Read the Discussion Overview

3. Number 11
Use CREATIVE titles for your posts.
No one is eager to read a post entitled Discussion 1.

4. Number 10
Presumably, we’ve all read the short stories, so you
don’t need to tell us what happened. Use plot
summary only when necessary to make your points.

5. Number 9
Be opinionated.
Don’t be afraid to take a stand; controversy makes for good
discussion, but treat your fellow students with respect.

6. Number 8
Be sure to back up your opinion
With analysis and one or more of the 3 E’s
(examples/evidence/experts)

7. Number 7
Write notes to yourself
(during your second reading) about what you want to say. It’s
frustrating to forget a key point you wanted to make when it comes
time to post. And it’s even more frustrating to see it pop up later
in someone else’s post.

8. Number 6
Avoid making all your posts in one sitting.

9. Number 5
Post early!
Try to post a day or two before the discussion is due
when possible. It helps everyone.

10. Number 4
Check the Discussion Board daily
and read your classmates’ posts. You’ll learn something and
discover something you want to respond to.

11. Number 3
Advance the discussion
when responding to someone else’s post. Merely saying you agree or
disagree doesn’t advance the discussion or earn you any points. Instead,
try to further develop their point, take it in another direction, or even
argue against it.

12. Number 2

13. Number 1
Devote the time and effort…
necessary for the most heavily weighted
portion of your final grade!