Discussion Boards (DB) are a key component of online learning. They foster active participation of learners and dialog with fellow learners and instructors. Graduate-level courses require learners to create original posts to course DBs and to engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the course. Original posts and responses should be substantive, and if references are made to the works of others, APA guidelines for in-text citations and references apply.
Minimum Weekly DB Expectations
Post an original and thoughtful Main Post to the DB prompt.
Respond to at least 2 other posts from learners and/or the instructor (Response Posts).
The first contribution (Main Post or Response Post) must be posted before midnight (Central time) on Friday of each week.
Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week.
For DB assignment prompts with a Part One and Part Two, Part One should be addressed in the first week of the unit with a Main Post and minimum of 2 Response Posts, and Part Two should be addressed in the second week of the unit with a Main Post and a minimum of 2 Response Posts.
- More on DBs
At the end of each unit, DB participation is assessed based on level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion. DBs allow learners to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB are accepted after the end of the unit. Learners must demonstrate an appropriate depth of understanding of course content to receive credit for having submitted substantive posts. Typically, this is achieved with 3–4 strong paragraphs for Main Posts and 2–3 strong paragraphs for Response Posts.
- Deliverable Specifics
Part 1
- Using the Capstone project idea list you created in the Unit 1 DB Part 1, conduct a brief literature review of 2–3 peer-reviewed journal articles on one of the topics.
What does the current research show?
- What are the problem statements, research questions, and hypotheses?
- What research methods are used?
What do the findings indicate?
What suggestions for future research are presented?
Evaluate the quality of the research design. How would you improve the research design or further research the topic?
Part 2
Scenario: You and your classmates are members of a consulting group that has been asked by the principal of a fine arts private academy to do a research project. The principal would like you to conduct research that compares and contrasts the educational quality of the private fine arts academy and the local public school for learners in grades 3–8. The principal plans to use the research findings to make curriculum decisions. In your post, consider the following with your fellow consultants:
What are 3 types of data that you would collect to examine the programs?
What specific types of instruments would you use to collect the 3 types of data? Why?
How might technology assist in data collection and/or data analysis?
Do you believe that each of the 3 types of data are either quantitative or qualitative? Provide your fellow consultants with a thorough rationale for your choices.
- How would you state (for your client, the principal) the purpose of the research project? Why do you think this statement is appropriate for the type of investigation you anticipate?
- In your own words, post a substantive response to the Discussion Board question(s) and comment on other postings. Your response should address the DB question(s) and move the conversation forward. You will be graded on the quality of your postings, including mastery of the concept as well as critical thinking. If asked for your opinion, do not simply state that it is a good or bad idea; elaborate on your reasons and argument. Include enough detail to substantiate your thinking as well as your position on the questions or comments.
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