The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue.
Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.
At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week.
Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.
The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the
DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.
You want to be part of the Green Revolution and are looking to find ways to reduce your energy use. But first, you must know what your energy use is.
Make and save a - table in a Microsoft Word or a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your energy use for 3 days this week.
Include the following:
What types of energy/fuel did you use (including any renewable sources of energy, such as wind, hydroelectric, solar, etc.?)
What was the purpose of the energy/fuel use (heating/cooling, recreational, etc.)?
Save your chart, and present it with 2-3 paragraphs containing the following information.
Which primary energy source does your electric company generate electricity (coal, nuclear, or renewables, etc.)? Cite the source for this information.
What changes could you make to decrease your energy use? (To answer this you will need to estimate how much energy you are using and report that as part of tracking. For example, how long are appliances running or lights being used? How far do your drive?)
What changes could you make to increase your energy efficiency?
Which changes will be most difficult for you to implement? Why do you think so?
Investigate the options for purchasing a completely electric vehicle for your personal use. Based on your research about cost and fuel efficiency, would you purchase the vehicle? Why or why not.