Online discussion is an integral part of effective online courses. Discussion boards can also be a valuable component of hybrid and traditional courses as well. While many of the rules of netiquette apply to discussion boards, the following guidelines will help you maintain ethical discussions that that promote academic integrity and collegiality in the classroom.
Read previous postings before making your comments. This will avoid duplication.
Check the discussion board frequently; a minimum of three or four times a week is a good rule of thumb.
Do not begin a new discussion thread for a topic that is already under discussion.
Learn your instructor’s expectations and follow them. Some discussion boards are very formal while limited chit chat might be appropriate in others.
Remember that online discussions are not in real time. Therefore, it can be helpful to quote from part of the message to which you are responding.
For example, “I agree” is not a very effective response. “I agree when [insert name] argues such and such” is much better.
Quote only relevant material; not the entire post to which you are responding.
Use paragraphs if your posting in more than four or five lines long.
Remember that people can not read your facial expression or tone of voice. Using common emoticons can help.
Although some instructors will allow you to modify or delete a message once you post it, usually your message is permanent. Therefore, re-read your message before you hit the “submit” button.
