Online Education: Elements of a good Discussion Post

[TheCommuter]

Online, hybrid, and distance-based coursework have become notable mainstays in today's technologically advancing society. Most students who have been enrolled in online courses have probably contended with weekly discussion post requirements because they are so ubiquitous in distance education. You are probably wondering, "What is the point of discussion posts, anyway?" Here are some explanations.

Discussion posts are intended to promote regular 'interaction' with others

Since the vast majority of online courses typically require no face-to-face meetings on campus, the weekly discussion post is one of the only mechanisms that facilitates mandatory interaction with one's classmates. Even though this form of interaction is purely virtual, it supposedly allows students to attain exposure to other peoples' ideas and perhaps learn from differing perspectives.

Discussion posts are supposed to reinforce key concepts

Discussion posts bestow opportunities upon distance learners to synthesize the material that they have learned, thereby reinforcing predominant concepts in a more effective manner. Synthesis, defined as written discussion that pulls upon one or more sources, is at the core essence of the weekly discussion post requirement. Moreover, well-constructed discussion posts allow professors to assess each student's grasp of the course material.

Now that you hopefully understand the two primary reasons that underlie the weekly discussion post requirement, here are some tips to aid in formulating ones that will most likely impress your instructors.

Always substantiate your discussion posts with in-text citations

In general, bolstering your 'statements' with in-text citations is superb practice. Since nursing is a health science, the in-text citations should always be in proper APA format. A myriad of wonderful websites are available if you need to learn how to formulate proper in-text citations utilizing APA formatting. A popular site is the Purdue Online Writing Lab. Another lesser-known website that contains good information on in-text citations is this page from Roane State Community College.

Cite from scholarly sources

Whenever possible, substantiate the information in your discussion posts with citations from scholarly sources such as textbooks and peer-reviewed journal articles because these sources are considered reputable. Avoid using blog posts, editorials, web-based tabloids and popular media websites such as Huffington Post, MSNBC or the Fox News Network because many of these sources can be overly opinionated. In addition, the articles on popular media websites sometimes disguise personal opinions as facts.

Use the discussion posts to practice your scholarly writing skills

One of the hallmarks of a college-educated person is solid writing skills. Generally, scholarly writing should incorporate a neutral voice as much as possible, which is reflected when discussion posts are written utilizing the third person voice. Furthermore, the use of a neutral voice requires deliberate minimization of overt emotion when writing discussion posts.

Adapt your discussion posts to the anticipated audience

Always be mindful that your instructor will be grading you on the content and style of your discussion post submissions. Thus, I advise you to refrain from creating heated posts that may alienate the instructor or your virtual 'classmates.' In other words, adapt your weekly posts to the known audience and keep your eye on the goal.

Read and use the grading rubric before posting

Many instructors utilize predetermined rubrics to grade discussion posts. If you are enrolled in a course that contains a specific rubric for discussion posts, I suggest you read it and become thoroughly familiar with it prior to posting. The rubric should provide you with a clear idea of the manner in which the discussion posts will be graded, as well as what your instructor seeks.

References

Dowell, J.A. (n.d.). Introduction to Syntheses. Retrieved from Synthesis Information

Mesa Community College. (n.d.). Writer's Style. Retrieved from Writing Style & Spoken vs. Written Voice

Stifler, B. (2008). The Purpose of the Discussions. Retrieved from The Purpose of the Discussion

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

smartassmommy said:

I have run into some of that myself. There are times that the whole"class" agrees on the topic. When that happens, I try to find opposing positions to try to keep interesting.

I hate those ubiquitous discussion thread responses: "Thank you for the great discussion post. I totally agree with everything you said. Again, thanks for such an edifying discussion post on ___ (blah blah blah). I really enjoyed your post!"

Not only do these posts contribute nothing of value, but they leave others with no choice but to put in more effort to conjure up a response that continues the discussion without unneeded flattery.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

TheCommuter said:

I hate those ubiquitous discussion thread responses: "Thank you for the great discussion post. I totally agree with everything you said. Again, thanks for such an edifying discussion post on ___ (blah blah blah). I really enjoyed your post!"

Not only do these posts contribute nothing of value, but they leave others with no choice but to put in more effort to conjure up a response that continues the discussion without unneeded flattery.

I would love to know which online classes support this-my online classes I have taken during my studies was to add only educational replies of value, even if you agree-we even had to ask the person that we agreed with to for reflection-and the instructors adhered to it.

Interesting.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

LadyFree28 said:

I would love to know which online classes support this-my online classes I have taken during my studies was to add only educational replies of value, even if you agree-we even had to ask the person that we agreed with to for reflection-and the instructors adhered to it.

Interesting.

I am enrolled in an online MSN-nursing education program at an obscure regional state university. The program is fairly new, although their BSN program has been around for at least two decades.

[jeanbeth, MSN, DNP, RN]

I had that experience also, so I began to prepare my "responses" ahead of time. You can usually predict what issue or topic someone will include in their response and so I would prepare a rather generic idea with citation and post it like this:

You make a good point, Karen, that the inclusion of ____ in your care plan will help prevent adverse reactions. In addition, you might consider...[insert response here]

I seldom had a problem inserting my idea in my response to peers

[LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I get frustrated as well waiting for some of my classmates to post.  We have one guy that posts as soon as the discussion area opens.  His posts are usually very worthwhile and strong.  But then the rest of the class waits to the last dang minute.  Makes me crazy.