|
The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.
At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.
The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.
A. Questions for weekly discussions and conversations (not part of the required Discussion Board assignment)
These questions can serve as the starting point for your discussions during the week. They are “thought starters,†so that you can explore some ideas associated with the discussion board and unit topics. Answers are not required, and should not be submitted with your required assignment. Answers are not graded.
1. What features or functions of PowerPoint (PPT) do you feel are generally most useful?
2. From your experience of sitting through PowerPoint (PPT) presentations, what are some things that presenters have included in their PowerPoint Presentation that you feel are annoying and should not be included in a “good†PPT presentation?
3. Use the Library or Internet to find what is considered a “good†PPT presentation from an audience point of view, and discuss the rationale for considering it a good example.
B. Required Discussion Board assignment.
Carefully consider the following 2 methods for constructing a PowerPoint presentation:
- The first method is to create slides from scratch. This means starting each slide as a blank slide; inserting text boxes and formatted text; and then adding bullets and numbering, colors, clip art, charts, and graphics you might want to use.
- The second method is to use slide templates, slide layouts, and color and animation schemes already built into PowerPoint.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using each method. Please note that there are advantages and disadvantages for each method. Include in your answer some issues to consider that concern using the first method, the second method, or using a combination of both methods. There are no completely correct answers, but answers that are well supported provide the best kind of answer for the Discussion Board.
Also, what are the advantages of planning your PowerPoint presentation in outline format?
Always answer your DB questions in terms of the question itself. Restate the question in your writing so that any reader will know what the question is.
Discussion Board assignment requirements. In most situations, you are required to post a specific number of paragraphs or words. Your postings should include proper grammar and spelling. References are required, so be sure you cite your references in correct APA style.
You are also required to respond to your classmates. Remember, a quality post is not a simple one-sentence response. Your responses to your classmates should be at least a paragraph and should be based upon your experiences, the unit readings, or the class materials. If you need more clarification about quality posts, please ask your instructor.
In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.
Grading Rubric: Click here for the grading rubric for this assignment.
In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.
Unit Materials
|
