Personnel Management for the Fire and Emergency Services

Discussion Rules

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This document provides instructions on how to initiate and respond to discussions.

A "discussion thread" is started each time you submit an original discussion topic.

Responding to the Main Item

A good title tells something of the nature of your personal response. "Response to Discussion 1" is not a very useful title, particularly if everyone in your course uses it.

Responding to Someone Else's Response

Make sure that you respond on the document intended so that your contribution will line up in the threaded discussion in the right place.

Netiquette

As discussion is of a public nature, please observe proper "netiquette" -- courteous and appropriate forms of communication and interaction over the Internet (in online discussions). This means no personal attacks, obscene language, or intolerant expression. All viewpoints should be respected.

Quality Discussion Responses

Responses such as "I agree," "good question," or "good answer" are not acceptable. Any response that is just an opinion, or is unsubstantiated; any response that is carelessly typed, poorly thought-out, grammatically incorrect or confusing; or any response that is disrespectful of another student or any other person, etc., is not acceptable. A high quality response applies a concept from the text or course in a meaningful way, or facilitates understanding of the course material or topic. Responses should indicate that you have critically thought about the discussion topic and demonstrate that you can apply and articulate the knowledge you are learning. Your responses should be well-organized and grammatically correct. Substantive responses don't just deliver opinions; they offer justification for those opinions and should cite sources when appropriate.

Expected Quantity of Responses

Full participation in each discussion requires that you not only respond to the initial discussion item, but that you return at a later date to read the responses of others and respond to at least two other people's comments. Treat it as a conversation. Think about how you would feel if you made an observation in a traditional classroom setting and no one responded.

Discussion Open and Close Dates

There may be more than one discussion item in a module. Be sure to note the start and end dates of the discussions so that the discussion area will be active and open for your participation.

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