Lesson 2 Communication for online learning In High School Course: Preparing for College & Career

communication Expectations Use full sentences unless indicated otherwise Use correct spelling and grammar Avoid abbreviations, slang, and texting language Always be polite and courteous Writing and reflecting on learning are key skills for this class. Because of this, there are several expectations for communication within this course. Here are some of the essential expectations for communication within this course. In general, you should use the type of language expected for your writing within any other classroom. You should use full sentences in all communication unless indicated otherwise, and be careful to use correct spelling and grammar. Avoid abbreviations, slang, and texting language. Above all, always be polite and courteous, making sure to avoid personal attacks, swearing, and unkind comments.

Discussion Forum Responses required varies To make post, click on “Reply” below discussion instructions To reply to post, click on “Reply” under the comment you want to respond to. Many lessons have a discussion as one of the assignments. At the top of each discussion you will see the question that you will use for your main post. You will also be expected to respond to other student’s posts, usually three. However, as you can see from this example, the number of responses required can vary, so be sure to read the directions carefully each time. To make a discussion post, click on “Reply” at the bottom of the discussion instructions. To reply to another student’s post, click on “Reply” under the comment you want to respond to.

Discussion Forum Be careful with sarcasm Review and edit before posting Read all messages before responding to a thread Avoid short responses like, “I agree.” Express differing opinions in a polite, respectful way. In the discussion forum, you are expected to follow the communication expectations for this course in general. In addition, there are a number of communication expectations that are particularly important when using a discussion forum. First, be careful with sarcasm and humor. It can be difficult for tone to come across online, so it is best to use straightforward language. Second, review and edit all posts before posting, checking for clarity, focus, and grammar. Third, read all messages before responding to a thread to ensure that your response takes into account everything that has already been said on the thread. Fourth, avoid short responses like, “I agree.” Explain why you agree or disagree, or add another idea to the discussion. Fifth, express differing opinions in a polite, respectful way.

Additional Tips for discussion There may be many or few participants Come back if needed to respond to other students Check back later to see responses Do not include contact information Do not connect outside of class with students you do not know personally There are a few additional things you should know about the discussion forum. First, because this course is asynchronous, which means that students take it at different times, there may be many or few participants in any discussion. If you are participating in a discussion where there are not enough students participating yet for you to do the required responses, go on to other activities after you do your post and come back later to complete your responses. Even if there are enough students participating for you to complete your responses, it is a good idea to return to the discussion later to see the responses to your post. It may take a while to get responses, since students participate in the discussion at different times. Second, remember not to give out your contact information or other personal information on the discussion forum, or to contact students outside of the discussion forum who you don’t already know personally. If another student asks you for contact information or tries to contact you outside of class, please use the “Inbox” button at the top of the course space to let an instructor know.

Discussion rubric For most discussions, you will be graded based on the rubric shown here. Note that getting full credit for discussions requires responding with clarity and focus to the discussion prompt and to your classmates’ posts.

Communication is the key to success. results Following the communication expectations for this course and in the discussion forum will help you in this course and beyond. Communication is key for success in online learning and in life. Communication is the key to success.

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