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The Diversity of Fishes Earth: Inside and Out Genetics, Genomics, Genethics In the Field with Spiders The Link Between Dinosaurs and Birds The Ocean System Sharks and Rays Space, Time and Motion Evolution The Solar System
Your login information and textbook info Your checklist
Stategies for success Getting around your course Discussion techniques
Accrediting institutions How to register for credit
The Diversity of Fishes Earth: Inside and Out Genetics, Genomics, Genethics In the Field with Spiders The Link Between Dinosaurs and Birds The Ocean System Sharks and Rays Space, Time and Motion Evolution The Solar System
Discussion techniques
Online Course Etiquette
When you post to seminar discussions, it's important to think carefully about how your messages may be perceived. The absence of vocal and nonverbal clues makes it harder to understand intent, especially when it comes to humor, sarcasm, or strongly held opinions. Spend some extra time crafting your messages to make sure they convey what you want them to.
We encourage you to read all the postings each week in order to learn as much as possible and to contribute to the course community. Keep in mind, though, that you should not feel compelled to reply to every message!
Online Course Etiquette
When you post to seminar discussions, it's important to think carefully about how your messages may be perceived. The absence of vocal and nonverbal clues makes it harder to understand intent, especially when it comes to humor, sarcasm, or strongly held opinions. Spend some extra time crafting your messages to make sure they convey what you want them to.
- Disagree — debate is valuable — but disagree respectfully. No flaming, please. Support your peers' efforts and worthwhile ideas as they learn with you.
- Research shows that, for better and worse, online interactions give rise to strong emotions. People may interpret messages as hurtful and react defensively. But the online environment also generates meaningful intellectual connections and personal bonds.
We encourage you to read all the postings each week in order to learn as much as possible and to contribute to the course community. Keep in mind, though, that you should not feel compelled to reply to every message!
- Posting "I agree" or simply "Yes!" does not further the discussion. Longer, substantive responses are invaluable, and a key component of the course.
- Correct punctuation and spelling help others understand your perspective. A "check spelling" function is available when you post.
- We recommend that you write longer posts in a word processor (where they're easier to structure and edit); save them; and then cut and paste them into the discussion window.
- The first few words of any posted message serve as its "subject line" (or title) so choose them carefully. They help organize weekly discussions.
- Try to stay on topic in the threaded discussion, or start a new thread with a new subject. There's a Learner Lounge for casual discussion.
- Short paragraphs make for easier reading on the screen.
- Sign your posted messages. It's a courteous convention, like saying, "Hi, this is {your name}" when you leave a voicemail message.
- Support your initial postings and your replies with resources from the course or other websites, books, or articles. Remember to cite your sources.
