My Thinking: Conducting education via the Internet creates a solitary world for the learner.  Aware that others exist in the ethereal world of the 'net, learners still often feel isolated, disconnected.  Without an opportunity to participate in a social exchange, information must be processed in a manner that is highly unique to the individual, susceptible to misinterpretation and untested reason.  In the end, the individual is threatened by their own limitations.  The social exchange provided in a typical classroom challenges individual perceptions, promotes moderation, and encourages the challenge of individual ideas.  In cyber-space there are a number of ways to attempt to counter these concerns, bulletin boards being one.  Bulletin boards have both the advantage and disadvantage of being asynchronous.  Asynchronous communication allows users access anytime of the day or night, and provides ample opportunity for reflection before we commit ourselves to words.  On the other hand, it lacks the spontaneity and pressure of actual interaction that is a large component of the social learning process.  In spite of its limits, asynchronous social interaction is the medium of choice for this semester.  While I start the exchange, it is entirely dependent on students to keep the discussion going.  By posting your thoughts and asking pointed questions, you can prompt others to come back for more.

The Task: There are 5 "conferences" set up on the class WebBoard.  You task is to log on (prior to the date specified) and make at least 2 postings.  The first posting may be a response to my discussion starter, or it may be to another student.  The second posting MUST BE a response to another student.  Postings do not need to be extensive, but should be of sufficient length and quality to convey your thoughts.  Remember, once you post, people will respond to what they read, not what you meant.  Therefore, careful construction of postings is encouraged.  Students are encouraged to post more than 2 remarks in each conference.  At my discretion, additional points will be given for additional posts.  Finally, no specific points will be given for posting to the first conference- but EVERY STUDENT is expected to reply.

Completion Hint:  Conferences have been seeded by requesting that you read a specific article, and then respond to my lead.  However, like any good discussion, if we limit ourselves to this narrow range of material, we may find the discussion ends quickly.  Feel free to comment from readings in other courses, readings related to your research, or whatever knowledge base you choose to share.  Whenever possible, include a remark about where information is from as this may aid in understanding.  While I will not moderate the discussion, I do encourage everyone to be sensitive to others.  Name calling, personal attacks, and other "discussion stoppers" are just as inappropriate in this arena as in any classroom.  Finally, I encourage you to sign on to each conference at least twice.  When you sign on the first time, read all the messages, and then make your post.  Then leave for a day or 2.  When you get back, there may be new messages giving you new things to think about and respond to.

Please remember- the discussion board is yours.  If you want to ask me a question- e-mail me directly.  I will not generally answer questions posted directly to the board.  It is an arena for your conversation, and I plan on being a lurker.