Discussion on cloud computing course

Discussion Board Grading Rubric

Initial Post

Criterion Unacceptable

0 Points Unsatisfactory

3 Point Satisfactory 6 Points

Organization

There is no apparent organization to the content. The information seems jumbled or random. Paragraphing is not present.

A purpose is initially established but is not sustained throughout writing. Some irrelevant material may be included. The introduction and/or conclusion could use more work or is missing.

The entire piece of writing is controlled by a clear purpose. The reader moves easily from one point to the next. There is a thoughtful introduction and closing.

Writing (Grammar & Mechanics)

Many grammatical and/or mechanical errors. Paper is not legible.

Grammatical and/or mechanical errors frequently stop the reader, effecting the reader’s comprehension of the writing.

Any grammatical and/or mechanical errors, if present, don’t affect the reader’s understanding.

Topic The content does not address the assignment.

This writing addresses the assignment but not sufficiently. Missing support and elaboration.

This piece of writing accomplishes the assignment and all of its specific requirements. Contents are supported and elaborated fully. The reader has learned something interesting from this writing.

Peer Replies

Criterion Unacceptable

0 Points Unsatisfactory

1 Point Satisfactory

2 Points

First Reply The content does not address the assignment.

This writing addresses the assignment but not sufficiently. Contents lack support and elaboration.

This piece of writing accomplishes the assignment and all of its specific requirements. Contents are supported and elaborated fully. The reader has learned something interesting from this writing.

Second Reply The content does not address the assignment.

This writing addresses the assignment but not sufficiently. Contents lack support and elaboration.

This piece of writing accomplishes the assignment and all of its specific requirements. Contents are supported and elaborated fully. The reader has learned something interesting from this writing.

Discussion Board Posting Guidelines

Posting to a Discussion Board can be exciting. You are interacting with your peers, sharing your

thoughts, opinions, questions, and observations, and reading about others’ experiences as well. This is

where you get to know your fellow classmates, build and maintain your connections, and perhaps even

learn a thing or two! The guidelines below inform what the expectations are for Discussion Board

postings, as well as some general guidelines for posting in an online environment.

Initial Post

Post Length

The post length may vary by discussion topic or activity, but in general, the post length should be

between 1-5 paragraphs (3-5 lines per paragraph) long. It’s helpful to keep posts concise when in an

online forum, as reading large amounts of text online can be straining, both for your eyes and mind.

Additionally, it can be time consuming to read many long posts. However, the post should not be too

short either. For more information regarding what criteria the substance of the post is based on, see the

Discussion Board Rubric.

Subject Line

The subject line should reflect the topic being discussed. The subject line is important because many

people decide whether or not to read a message or posting based on the title. The subject here should

be short and relevant, but draw other readers in and make them want to read what you have to say.

Take a minute: Before posting, take a minute to review the discussion topic and make sure you

understand what is required before responding. If you have a question about what it is that you are

supposed to post, ask your instructor for some clarification.

Response Post

Number of Responses

Response post points are based on meeting the requirements for the number of response posts added

to the Discussion Board, as well as the substance of those posts. In addition to the initial post, two

response posts are required for each discussion topic. For more information regarding what criteria

the substance of the post is based on, see the Discussion Board Rubric.

Post Length

Response posts should generally be about a paragraph (3-5 lines) or less in length. This may vary by

discussion topic or activity.

When to Post

Rather than adding your initial post and responses to the Discussion Board all at once, try to distribute

your posting throughout the week. Add your initial post early on, to give others a chance to respond,

and then check back and respond to some of your peers’ posts a little bit later. This gives everyone time

to carry on a discussion, rather than posting early on and leaving the Discussion Board quiet for the rest

of the week, or posting in a rush on the last day, stifling your chances to connect to your peers.

Formatting

Using proper formatting is important when communicating via an online environment. It makes the text

easier to read, process, and respond to. If the post is difficult to read, many people will move on to

another post.

Spacing

• If you write a question within your post, it’s a good idea to separate that question from the rest

of the text. This way, it makes it easier for others to pick out the question and then respond. Put

the question on one line and the rest of the paragraph on another.

• Separate each new paragraph with a blank line. This keeps the formatting neat and easy to read.

Writing Format

Use proper spelling, grammar, and formatting to the best of your ability when posting. This helps to

make your posts easy to understand, as well as to keep the environment up to a higher standard. This

also includes:

• Refraining from capitalizing all of the letters in a word- this is considered YELLING, and is rude

• Abstaining from cursing

• Avoiding the use of slang

• Realizing that spell check is helpful!

• Using standard fonts, sizes, and colors in your posts, such as Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica,

12-14 point, blue or black

Etiquette

Quote or Refer

When responding to a post, it can be helpful to others reading the thread if you quote a short snippet of

the part of the response you’re replying to, or at least reference it, in order to make the conversation

easier to follow.

Cite Sources

If you use a source to back up a claim, opinion or fact, you should reference where this material is from,

whether it’s a textbook, online source, or other.

Joking Around

Humor can spice up the forum and make things fun, but be careful with what you say, and read your

post again carefully before hitting the submit button. Humor can be difficult to interpret online when

there isn’t any body language and when there are no visual cues or voice inflections to help clue you in

on the tone of what’s being said.

Inappropriate Behavior

When interacting with others online, treat everyone respectfully and in a manner which you yourself

would want to be treated.

• No flaming (acting hostile towards another online, insulting, criticizing)

• If you feel you were insulted or talked to in a disrespectful manner, take a deep breath, and

allow some time to pass before rushing to respond- contact your instructor, rather than

retaliating

• Do not post comments that are hateful, racist, or insult others in any way

• No personal attacks- if you disagree with what someone said, debate the content, but don’t

attack the person

• Do not use any threating or sexually suggestive language