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 Friday of each week. The original contribution must reference the text or auxiliary reading at least twice. Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week.
The responses must be posted on separate days and must be at least 100 words in length. The responses are due by midnight (CST) Tuesday. Comments that are posted late on the last day of the week, are not quality responses will be graded down. Comments that are mere responses (I agree!) will also be graded down. 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.
Assignment Details
Understanding the core components of the criminal justice system, potential career paths as well as the professional skills needed are key for professionals entering or looking to progress in the criminal justice field. Having short-term and long-term career goals is crucial to your academic and professional success. One of the first steps to setting academic and career goals is identifying why you are interested in a criminal justice career and what you have done to understand the field.
For this Discussion Board, you will be required to view the Career Services presentation located here and then reflect on your interest in criminal justice and research on opportunities. Specifically, you should complete the following:
Describe in detail why you want to be a criminal justice professional
Discuss your criminal justice (or related) professional experience as of today, if any
Research and elaborate on at least one (1) way to gain experience in the field if you have none, or to enhance experience you have already gained in the field
In your own words, post a response to the Discussion Board and comment (minimum 200 words each) on at least two other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.