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 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.
As wireless devices continue to expand, the need to secure these connections must follow suit. Cell phones now have the capability to create "hot spots," and many fast-food restaurants, hotels, and stores offer free wireless Internet connections.
• Research and discuss a best practice list that an end user should take when connecting to a wireless access point.
As handheld devices continue to gain in popularity, the topic of wireless security continues to expand. It is now commonplace for companies to market a free Internet connection.
Research and discuss the security concerns that these free hot spots can create for the end user.