Speaker 1: The secret to success in online discussions A key part of your learning is through meaningful discussion and applying content that the course introduced. Discussion forums, or discussion boards, in online courses are often designed to both stimulate your learning process through collaboration and get you to reflect on the course content. Simply, it helps you better understand the material and it also helps you demonstrate that you know the material. As a student, you need to know how to make the best use of a discussion in an online setting. By doing so, you will both learn the material and succeed in the course. Before you begin writing a post, it is important to follow some general rules when confronting the online discussion forums in the course. It is of the utmost importance that you read, understand, and follow the instructions. Be sure that your participation meets the criteria set forth. For example, be sure to meet the required number of replies or format the thread in accordance with the instructions. To develop an understanding of the capacities of the discussion forums editor and how you can present your material in the discussion. You want to make the most of it to show your work in the most positive light. Perhaps adding a hyperlink, attachment, image, or other multimedia will help support or further your post. Minimally, make sure that you will find a way to edit and spell check your posts. Submitting posts that present the material clearly helps promote the ideas that you are sharing. 3. Give yourself time. Do not wait until the last moment to post. Think about the question and compose a well-crafted and thoughtful post. 4. Be open to new ideas. Central to the idea of discussion sections as a learning activity is hearing what others have to say and working to develop and reshape our ideas and perspectives. Different perspectives can give you new insight on the subject matter. 5. Keep a positive outlook on the experience and encourage moving the discussion forward. Don't be afraid to compliment good work or help develop further discussion around other posts. These are just five general tips about using online discussion forums in your class. Now you know these. You are ready to focus on strategies for writing your discussion threads and replies.