Online Sessions are Recorded
- Everything you post is recorded in most asynchronous online discussions so that you can refer back to it in the future.
How to Craft an Online Response:
- Subject: Enter a new subject for each of your postings. Leaving the default subject tells readers nothing about your topic. Unique subjects allow classmates to understand the flow of conversations and stay on topic.
- If your response is to one person, use their preferred or given name.
- Content: Use complete sentences and clearly communicate your meaning.
- Consider composing offline, editing, and reading out loud to identify misstatements, lack of clarity, or an unintended tone before posting.
Substantive Posts
- Ensure the posting adds value and contributes to the overall discussion thread being developed.
Agree to disagree
- Throughout the course of any discussion there will be perspectives made that you may not accept. Agree to disagree in your exchange of ideas and opinions. Keep your interactions friendly and professional.
Avoid Sarcasm and Subtleties
- When expressing or typing your thoughts be clear and straightforward with your language. Avoid the use of sarcasm, subtleties, or comments that can disrespect or offend members of the academic online community. This includes making comments, jokes, or postings that offend students' cultures and identities.
Keep Your Voice Down
- USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS online is the equivalent of yelling. Instead, bold, italicize, or use *asterisks* around the text to be emphasized
Using Emoticons
- These icons can be effective in supplying simple facial expressions to supplement your words and provide basic engagement with your peers. Examples include:
  - :-)-basic smile
  - ;-)-wink
  - :-D - big smile
  - :-(-frown

Sources and Relevant Links