Beyond Post Once Reply Twice

An instructor I worked with and I came up with a format that seems to generate more action in the discussion forum than the lame old “post once reply twice” format. She dubbed it the chain reaction.

This week, we will use the “chain reaction” format.

First, I will ask a question. The next person will answer, then ASK A NEW QUESTION. The following person must answer this NEW question (not my question). No one is allowed to answer a question that has already been answered or to ask a question that has already been asked. This means that you must read the whole thread before responding or asking a new question.

Guidelines:

• Label your answer and question. Repeat the question in your answer just fro clarity.
• You may link to a new artwork, article, artist, video, etc, but it must be a direct link.
• Answers should be 150-200 words.
• Questions should be interesting enough to elicit a 150-200 word response. (ie: A question like what kind art is this? Will elicit a one word response like “performance”. Give the next person in line something to think about!)
• Stick to topics raised in this module, especially the FUNCTION of the artwork or how the artist sees their ROLE in society (see Module 2).

EXAMPLE

Thread X

Laura’s post:

Question: In so and so’s performance, they are addressing issues h, i and j. What is the function of this artwork, and how do you believe this artist sees their role in larger society?

Jughead’s post:

LAURA’S QUESTION “In so and so’s performance, they are addressing issues h, i and j. What is the function of this artwork, and how do you believe this artist sees their role in larger society?”

ANSWER: The purpose of x,y,z is to fulfill the 345 function of art. (continues for 150- 200 words).

NEW QUESTION: Take a look at the following artwork (link to short article or video that describes artwork). It also uses x,y,z but in a different way. How? Does it change the function or meaning of the work?

Veronica’s Post:

JUGHEAD’’S QUESTION: “Take a look at the following artwork (link to short article or video that describes artwork). It also uses x,y,z but in a different way. How? Does it change the function or meaning of the work?”

ANSWER: Why yes Jughead it certainly does! Here’s why; (reasons 1,2,3 for 150-200 words).

NEW QUESTION: Now this made me think about issue X from module 12, how does that relate to both artwork X by so and so from Laura’s post and artwork Y by so and so from Jughead’s post?

More instructors seem to be taking on this suggestion and have given edited instructions such as these:

Learning Activity X-X: Discussion Chain Board

For this activity, you will be part of a discussion chain. In short, like any normal discussion board, you are required to engage by answering the main discussion board question. If you are the first to answer, you must also end with a question. Then, the next student to participate must then answer YOUR question and ask one of their own. Lather, rinse, repeat until all students have participated. More detailed rules are below.

• The discussion chain begins with my predetermined first question
• Students have the opportunity to respond, drawing on the readings and examples as evidence
• Once a student has responded, they must also end with a question (within the same context)
• Only one student may respond to the question
• Subsequent responses must address the most recent question from the chain
• The process continues until all students have participated