1. Process

The use of an online discussion forum does not in itself constitute learning. These spaces have to be carefully structured and managed in order for learning to take place. Someone will need to assume the role of facilitator in order to ensure that tasks are set, and that the conversation is constructive.

The following are the comments of a student in a college health course about the online discussion process as she saw it.

 A. Mechanics of the process

Postings were both interesting and frustrating. Different ones of us  brought up interesting topics, but we never seemed to get much of a  dialog ongoing I found it interesting to read replies on various  questions but the discussion never got very deep.  As a group, I don't think we did a particularly good job responding to  the week's topic; I know I didn't.   At first I tried to comment on the week's topic but because I was behind for so many weeks, I was never in
synch because I hadn't worked through the week's material yet.  It felt strained trying to quote sources so I resorted to just making comment without the source, but that wasn't really comfortable either.  I wasn't sure if we were supposed to interact with the other groups.  I did make one response (3/4 valid goals) but then concentrated on my own group.( Thinking about it now, I should have asked if it was okay to post with the other groups.)  Breaking us up into interest groups was helpful to focus the dialog.
 
 B. Individual threads
 Janes' plight with food while she is traveling was interesting and made me consider my own food choices when I travel or am simply on the road to
> school and errands. I realized how much I take fresh, convenient safe, healthy food for granted.  I was impressed with her diligence and creativity in dehydrating her own food to take with her.  It would be difficult to maintain any kind of healthy routine with her schedule and restrictions.  I applaud he effort - it would be very easy to give up the fight to maintain healthy habits. So much for the glamour of the job. I appreciated Larry's responses to my question about arterial plaque.  I had done some research on the question and hadn't found the answers I was looking for. It was a real question based that I was honestly interesting in finding an answer for - I was glad someone responded. Because I struggled to think of relevant questions, when someone else posed a question I tried to offer a thoughtful response, but I worried that I sounded pompous.

C. Summary
All in all, I found our discussion groups interesting.  I don't think we used the forum as well as we might have, but I don't really know what we could/should have done differently.  The course was very helpful and personally enlightening.  Sometimes, especially at first, I did miss the give-and-take and body language that a live classroom provides, but I don't think I would have grown as much personally if it had been a traditional situation:  The relative isolation both allowed and forced me to interact with the material.  There were no distractions to break the pressure of the material so the assignments were driven deeper.  There
were many instances though, when I was curious what the class or professor would have had to say about things but I also realize that it was the lack of actual dialog between us that forced my internal dialog.  For instance, I'm sure we would have had an interesting discussion about alcohol and growing up in alcoholic families, but our energy would have been used to explain our circumstances to each other and there would have been little need to wrestle through our circumstances ourselves. It is easier to talk about circumstances and attitudes than change them. Through this process I realized how much energy I dissipate doing things that are essentially pointless. I am intrigued by the power of the on-line format.. I am setting goals and reaching them, thereby accomplishing far more than I normally have.  I am also pleased at the new health habits which have been developed. (regular exercise and drinking more water.) It may be a bit premature to say with certainty, but I believe that the way I view my time and activities has been forever changed."  Source: Dona Russel, 2003

PERCEPTIONS OF E-MODERATORS ABOUT THEIR ROLES AND FUNCTIONS IN MODERATING ELECTRONIC MAILING LISTS. By Zane L. Berge. "Reported here are responses gathered using a probabilistic survey (n=162). Indications of what this group of electronic mailing list moderators, or emoderators, perceive about their roles, tasks, and responsibilities as list moderators. The issues explored revolve around mailing list moderators' conceptions of their roles, their rationale for moderating or not moderating their mailing lists, where they learned their craft, and where moderating lists fits into the context of their lives. With such descriptions of the tasks and roles of practicing moderators, better training could be developed for those persons wishing to function effectively as on-line discussion facilitators and moderators, as part of their on-line teaching for instance. Findings confirmed previous research that moderators perceive among their roles those of a filter, firefighter, facilitator, editor, manager, discussion leader, content expert, helper, and marketer. The moderators responding to this survey cited as reasons a mailing list should be moderated as keeping the signal-to-noise ratio high; keeping the discussion focused within the topic of the list's mission; keeping down "flames;" and digesting/editing posts. Most learned to moderate online discussion lists by watching others perform those functions--rather like apprentices, and either volunteered to be a list moderator, were invited to be, or started their own lists. They report being involved in list moderation because the list is work related, or is part of their leisure activity, or is part of both" http://www.emoderators.com/moderators/modsur97.html

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR COMPUTER ETHICS

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. Thou shalt not use or copy software for which you have not paid.
7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write.
10. Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect.

Permission to duplicate or distribute this document is granted with the provision that the document remains intact or if used in sections, that the original document source be referenced. © Copyright 1998, Arlene Rinaldi + Florida Atlantic University  The Net: User Guidelines and Netiquette - by Arlene Rinaldi

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

• Under United States law, it is unlawful "to use any telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device to send an unsolicited advertisment" to any "equipment which has the capacity (A) to transcibe text or images (or both) from an electronic signal received over a regular telephone line onto paper." The law allows individuals to sue the sender of such illegal "junk mail" for $500 per copy. Most states will permit such actions to be filed in Small Claims Court. This activity is termed "spamming" on the Internet
• Never give your user ID or password to another person. System administrators that need to access your account for maintenance or to correct problems will have full priviledges to your account.
• Never assume your email messages are private nor that they can be read by only yourself or the recipient. Never send something that you would mind seeing on the evening news.
• Keep paragraphs and messages short and to the point.
• When quoting another person, edit out whatever isn't directly applicable to your reply. Don't let your mailing or Usenet software automatically quote the entire body of messages you are replying to when it's not necessary. Take the time to edit any quotations down to the minimum necessary to provide context for your reply. Nobody likes reading a long message in quotes for the third or fourth time, only to be followed by a one line response: "Yeah, me too."
• Focus on one subject per message and always include a pertinent subject title for the message, that way the user can locate the message quickly.
• Don't use the academic networks for commercial or proprietary work.
• Include your signature at the bottom of Email messages when communicating with people who may not know you personally or broadcasting to a dynamic group of subscribers. Your signature footer should include your name, position, affiliation and Internet and/or BITNET addresses and should not exceed more than 4 lines. Optional information could include your address and phone number.
• Capitalize words only to highlight an important point or to distinguish a title or heading. Capitalizing whole words that are not titles is generally termed as SHOUTING!
• *Asterisks* surrounding a word can be used to make a stronger point.
• Use the underscore symbol before and after the title of a book, i.e. _The Wizard of Oz_
• Limit line length to aproximately 65-70 characters and avoid control characters.
• Never send chain letters through the Internet. Sending them can cause the loss of your Internet Access.
• Because of the International nature of the Internet and the fact that most of the world uses the following format for listing dates, i.e. MM DD YY, please be considerate and avoid misinterpretation of dates by listing dates including the spelled out month: Example: 24 JUN 96 or JUN 24 96
• Follow chain of command procedures for corresponding with superiors. For example, don't send a complaint via Email directly to the "top" just because you can.
• Be professional and careful what you say about others. Email is easily forwarded.
• Cite all quotes, references and sources and respect copyright and license agreements.
• It is considered extremely rude to forward personal email to mailing lists or Usenet without the original author's permission.
• Attaching return receipts to a message may be considered an invasion of privacy.
• Be careful when using sarcasm and humor. Without face to face communications your joke may be viewed as criticism. When being humorous, use emotions to express humor. (tilt your head to the left to see the emoticon smile):-) = happy face for humor
• Acronyms can be used to abbreviate when possible, however messages that are filled with acronyms can be confusing and annoying to the reader.
  Examples: IMHO= in my humble/honest opinion
  FYI = for your information
  BTW = by the way
  Flame = antagonistic criticism

Permission to duplicate or distribute this document is granted with the provision that the document remains intact or if used in sections, that the original document source be referenced. © Copyright 1998, Arlene Rinaldi + Florida Atlantic University

2. Content

The following are the instructions for online discussion in a college health course.

3. Moderators

A moderator is a user who volunteers to take on the task of screening messages submitted to a moderated mailing list, a moderated newsgroupor a forum. This is done to help discussions stay productive and within the guidelines, so that inappropriate messages do not end up where they don't belong. In other words, "it's to keep the Nazi messages out." http://www.netlingo.com/lookup.cfm?term=moderator

The moderator role involves:
* maintaining a regular (normally daily) presence in the forum
* providing a welcoming presence to new contributors or lurkers and encouraging their participation
* setting the tone for civil discussion
* gently helping people stay on-topic
* asking questions to stimulate conversation where needed
* removing individuals or posts when required by blatant or persistent disregard of standards for discussion http://groups.yahoo.com/group/onlinefacilitation/message/4782

Much has been written in the literature about facilitation skills.  The following checklist from Learning Networks by Harasim, Hiltz, Teles, and Turoff (qtd. in “Teaching at an Internet Distance…”) [8] is a useful summary of advice for online facilitators: Do not lecture, be clear about expectations of the participants, be flexible and patient, be responsive, do not overload, monitor and prompt for participation, for assignments, set up small groups and assign tasks to them, be a process facilitator, write weaving [summarizing] comments every week or two, organize the interaction, set rules and standards for good netiquette, establish clear norms for participation and procedures for grading, assign individuals or small groups to play the role of teacher and of moderator for portions of the course, close and purge moribund conferences in stages, adopt a flexible approach toward curriculum integration on global networks.

Moderator Training: http://wwwtafe.lib.rmit.edu.au/onlinet/mod.html

4. Sample

The following is a sample of bulletin board submissions of a student in a college health course.

Basically introduced myself, set forth what I do physically - just a general intro. There wasn't much to say at this point, so I didn't say a whole bunch - was more unsure than anything else. I did find that most people on the board (those who posted) were generally nice and extremely helpful and friendly. They didn't always know the answer to a particular question, but reading everything on the boards has helped me improve myself in one way or another.

Jan 31. Fitness!! Fitness!! Fitness!! CC/TS

I enjoy running, and understand a lot about stress, so I felt this was reply was well intended and informed. Endorphins are just wonderful chemicals in the body, and I hope to use them more and more. Mainly by getting back into running and a full blown exercise plan this summer. Then throughout the course, I learned various methods of controlling stress - such as running and eating properly before going into a potentially stressing situation. Then I discovered that through deep breathing and a meditating state I can control my stress once it starts. This makes it easier to deal with. Then by appreciating everything I have and not trying to rush through things, life is more enjoyable and in turn a lot less stressful. One of the main things I discovered was just take life easy and slow. And honestly, this idea has helped me tremendously in all of my work and life. I have definitly been able to apply what I learned regarding this module to my actual life. It has *helped* immensely.

Feb. 6 'Why are so many young people depressed?' TS/CC

For me, this hit home big time. I am diagnosed depressed and it has made life extremely difficult at times. I learned quiet a bit from the book and from the website to help me along the way. I have tried numerous ways to help me feel 'normal' - and I hadn't thought about seeing a counselor again until I was going through the web site. Since that time I have been seeing a therapist/counselor at least once a month, I am going to a journal workshop this weekend to help sort out emotions and figure out what is wrong, and I've learned more ways of coping. When I start thinking negative thoughts, I isolate those thoughts and try to determine why I thought them in the first place. Usually there is no valid reason and I am becoming better at completely dismissing the thoughts. I also got a lot of insight from others and how they view depression - and I see I am not the only one - by a long shot. I also learned quiet a bit about the drug I am taking and how it effects me. (I didn't fully understand it before) I see how the medication promotes the receptive sites in my brain to accept the seratonin. Honestly - everything I have learned has opened up a whole new door of insight. I see things in ways I haven't before and I am able to do a little self searching.

Feb. 20 - How does one do it? CC

Life is full of many difficulties and time crunches. I have found that out the hard way - and because of it I don't do everything I should. I make invalid choices and don't budget my time properly. I have found that I need to use planners, or notebooks or calendars or something to keep track of everything I do. When I can, I combine many things into one task. Sometimes I'll have breakfast on the way to school, or I will read while writing my essays, or hang out with my boyfriend and go snowboarding. When I do the combining, I cut down on the needed time, and have time to do something else of more importance. By reading and using other postings, I have found that organization is one of the key things I am lacking. There is no real method to how I do things, I don't prioritize or organize what I do - I just do. This causes lots of problems. One thing I do need to do, is workout something, or someone who will push me to exercise. Someone who will motivate me. By doing this I will budget a set time every day to workout - such as I did during cross country. Once I have one thing set in stone, I have to work everything else around it, and I find time to do everything. Makes life a lot easier and more manageable. Plus gaining the support from those around me, will help me be able to 'do it all' and not burn out.

March 6 - 'Strengthening your core - TS'

I have done a lot of reading on improving your abs and 'core' muscles to improve running and other activities. Doing this helps eliviate some injuries and makes at least for running, smoother and more continuable. I found this out through my cross country team - we were always doing weight training to somehow improve our shoulders and gluts and always doing crunches.Also in my weight training class, the point of keeping the core strong in relation to the rest of your body was emphasized. If you increased the strength of your legs, but don't worry about your abs, you risk pulling leg muscles and getting problems with your tendons in your legs. (I don't remember and couldn't find the exact muscles and tendons that are effected) Also it increases rather, decreases the potential of lower back problems! So if you have lower back probs, it might be because your core is too weak. Just something to think about ...

March 20 - War on Iraq QA/CC

I got some ideas to motivate myself to run - but sadly, none of them really worked. I tried them once, or I was never even able to try them because I wasn't motivated enough. But with the War on Iraq - was just surprising and a way for me to voice what I was feeling and just see if anyone else had any input. Which, no one really did. I realize I need to look into my self deeper, and dig more. Basically - I need to determine why I am handling (or not handling) the things that I am. It's just really difficult to get a grasp on who 'I' really am and what makes me 'tick' Though on the War in Iraq, I'm just so glad it's over - it's a relief to know that our troops did what they were sent to do. Now the worst is over *hopefully*

April 3 BMI Test CC

With this class, I can apply what I've learned regarding a person's body mass in regard is to their weight and physical activity. BMI just gives a general idea of what should be expected, not what is. Better ways to determine if you are at an appropriate weight, is by doing a skin fold test or doing the water submergence test - which measures the actual poundage of fat you carry. You can be extremely fit and have almost no fat, but weigh more than is 'expected' You can be physically fit and weigh more than you 'should' this is because muscle weighs twice as much as fat. Despite this knowledge, I still am not where I should be BMI wise. I have a high BMI, and this is valid - during my weight training class at the beginning, I should have weighed 144 - for my muscle ratio - using the skin fold test - so I know what's expected of me. Yet I don't do this. I really need to focus on working out and improving my muscle mass severely.

April 19 Alcohol and Athletes CC

I am constantly around those types of people that are athletic and doing drugs or alcohol. In high school a lot of the athletes did drugs, smoked and drank quiet regularly. It is extremely disturbing. I always thought it was because everyone else 'did it' which isn't true. Then I thought of it as a stress release. Or just because they like the high. But I look at what has happened to those athletes and it scares me. They are getting slower, their reflexes are slower and their judgment is greatly impaired. They are just getting worse and worse at what they had previously excelled at. It's disgusting and disturbing. It definitely keeps me pointed in the way I am going - away from all of those nasty things.

May 3 - Grief Stages CC

I have experienced a lot of grief in my life, and have gone through all of the stages. They make a ton of sense and explain everything about what I went though, and how I felt at varying times. There wasn't anything new for me to apply, or anything new to learn. Just that everything said was true. The best thing to do is find a support group to help you in the times of despair, which I did do on all of my occasions. Just the first time - at the very beginning I didn't know what to do, but then I determine what was the best thing and way to go. Talk to many people, get your feelings out, don't bottle them up - they will just harm you even more - it isn't good for your mental health.

May 8 - This class TS

I learned so much about myself in this class that I have been able to dig deep into myself and I have been able to discover who I really am. There is no way to fully explain everything - just my mind has been opened up to many new possibilities and changes for the future. I didn't post as often as I probably should have, it was just difficult to do so when i didn't have anything to say, or any questions to ask, or anything that I would like to comment on. So many things have happened to me this semester, eveything is just looking up, and I think I owe part of (quiet a bit) of that to this class. I just wanted to say thank you so much for putting this class on, it really has been an amazing experience, and I have learned so much.

Have a great summer, and good luck with your plans for the fall!!!" Source: Allison Thorsell, 2003

Taking Discussions Online http://www.dartmouth.edu/~webteach/articles/discussion.html