Sue's Sample Reading Discussion Forum Assignment

The most common online writing students do in my course takes place in discussion forums. Whether introducing themselves to each other, analyzing common texts, or discussion class topics, discussion boards offer a flexible synchronous or asynchronous opportunity for interaction. This sample assignment is from the first couple weeks of the semester, so the directions are particularly elaborate and specific. As the weeks progress, I can generally cut the verbiage a bit.


Week 2 VF Assignment

In class this week, we've begun looking at the topics of identity and culture by reflecting on what they mean to us as individuals. This assignment will initiate the process of observing and analyzing our roles and experiences within the broader "American" culture of the United States. As is true of all cultures, there is no one definition of what American culture is; while there may be some commonalities that describe our national identity, each American’s view of what it means to live in this country and culture differs.

Please note: If you are not an American citizen, or do not identify as being a part of American culture, you can still complete this assignment. The assignment focuses on others’ feelings about being American; future assignments may shift to your thoughts on America and being American, but they will always offer adaptations to allow students of differing cultures and nationalities to participate in a meaningful way.

This week’s response and discussion assignment allows you to hear how several young adults of varying backgrounds feel about being American, reflect on their ideas, observe how others respond to their opinions, and share your own thoughts on “being American.”

The instructions below describe your assignment for this week:

BEFORE Friday’s class time

1. Visit this url to access the CNN.com feature entitled "Generation Y reflects on what it means to be American." http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/07/03/young.americans.bright/index.html
2. Read the description of the project, located above the 9 pictures.
3. One by one, click on the pictures and listen to and watch the video/audio clips of the 9 young adults included in this story. As you are watching/listening, take notes about your responses to and feelings about what the participants say and do. It may help to watch the clips a few times through; they are short enough to allow this.
4. Write a 150+ word personal response to the videos, sharing your reactions and feelings. You may focus on one clip, discuss several, or comment on the topic overall. Please note that this is not a summary of the clips; rather it is an opportunity to express your personal thoughts on what was said—in a logical manner, using appropriate academic language and vocabulary.
5. Read the viewer comments, located further down on the same page in the "Sound Off" section, posted in response to the video project. (You will need to click on the "Next 25 comments" links to access all the comments.)
6. Write a 150+ word response to these comments. You may point out people who felt the same way you did, focus on the different types of response, and/or comment on responses that surprised you, made you laugh, or upset you. Overall, in what way were these comments similar to or different that your own original response? Did any of them make you reconsider your initial reaction?

WITHIN THE FIRST 10 MINUTES of Friday’s class time:

• Post your written responses to #4 and #6 above--as one response. DO NOT select Add a Question. Instead, select the link with your class time below (10:00 Week 2 Discussion).
• Select "Reply" to access the text box for your response.
• Change the subject line to include at least your first name and the assignment/subject (Example: Sue's Week 1 response" or "Sue's Thoughts on being American").
• Copy and paste your response in the text box and submit.

FOR THE REMAINING 40 MINUTES of Friday’s class time, please read and respond to your classmates’ postings. In appropriate academic language, share your thoughts on what others said in their initial responses. Possible areas for comment:

• What was the most interesting idea stated by the student? (Use a direct quote with name and signal phrase as discussed in class.) Why did you find this interesting?
• In what ways were their responses similar to or different than what you said?
• Did they raise concerns or questions you hadn’t considered before?

Note: Don’t necessarily start by responding to the first posting, as the goal is to get as many responses read and commented on within the time we have; skip around and select responses that no one has commented on whenever possible.


FOR MONDAY’S CLASS: Bring a printed copy of your initial posting to class. Also copy, paste, print, and bring 3 sentences, questions, or examples used by other classmates in their responses/discussions that you found particularly interesting, thought provoking, and/or insightful.