The document provides protocols for participating in online discussions, including posting evenly throughout the discussion period rather than all at once, writing posts that are at least a paragraph but no more than two paragraphs long and avoid simple agreement posts. Posts should support statements with evidence from readings, examples or experience, address the discussion questions, build on others' responses to create threads, and use proper etiquette.

1. +
Protocols for Posting
Threads and Contributing to
Online Discussions
eLearning OHIO

2. +
Evenly Distributed Posts
 Postingsshould be evenly distributed during
the discussion period (not concentrated all
on one day or at the beginning and/or end of
the period).

3. +
Length and Type of Postings
 Postings should be a minimum of one short
paragraph and a maximum of two
paragraphs. Avoid postings that are limited to
"I agree" or "great idea", etc.

4. +
Support Your Statements
 Ifyou agree (or disagree) with a posting then
say why you agree by supporting your
statement with concepts from the readings or
by bringing in a related example or
experience.

5. +
Address the Questions
 Address the questions as much as possible
(don't let the discussion stray).

6. +
Use Quotes
 Try
to use quotes from the articles that
support your postings. Include page numbers
when you do that.

7. +
Build on Others’ Posts
 Build on others' responses to create threads.

8. +
Use Prior Knowledge
 Bring
in related prior knowledge (work
experience, prior
coursework, readings, etc.)

9. +
Follow Proper Etiquette
 Useproper etiquette (proper
language, typing, etc.)

10. +
Source
 Gilbert,
P. & Dabbagh, N. (2005). How to structure
online discussions for meaningful discourse: A case
study. British Journal of Educational
Technology, v36, n1, pp. 5-18.