The purpose of the Discussion Board is to provide students a forum for voicing opinions on controversial issues. In a large class it is very difficult to conduct meaningful discussions—from the problem of there not being enough time for each student to speak to the problem of some people’s discomfort with speaking up in a large group. Also, it is not always easy to organize your thoughts “on the spot.” An opportunity for thoughtful reflection is desirable, and helps you avoid the “oh, I wish I had said that” experience. The forums literally give you a place to speak up when you are ready and to whom you wish. Studies have shown that students love this outlet. It is also very likely that your overall performance in the class will improve because of this opportunity to think critically about difficult topics. See Questions to Ask When Examining a Position for some excellent guidelines.

There are several rules that all students who participate in the forums on the Discussion Board are expected to follow: 

The topics for each discussion are organized into four sections to correspond to the four sections of the course. You are expected to select a topic from those specified for a particular section. During each section of the course, you are expected to participate in at least one forum and complete your participation by the deadline given on the course calendar. You are expected to read the YES and NO statements as well as the POSTSCRIPT. Based on these readings you should formulate an opinion and post a commentary on the blackboard. You MUST back up your opinion with at least one additional scholarly source (library or web-based). You are also expected to react to at least one other student’s commentary. You may move ahead and address topics scheduled for future times, but once a deadline has been reached you may not revisit a topic.

Each threaded discussion will be worth 10 points and distributed as follows:

•  Commentary - 5 points
•  Scholarly source - 2 points
•  Reaction to at least one other student's commentary - 3 points

Select one issue for each section of the course and read the issue essays in the Paul book. Choose one of the points of view and post a comment. Your commentary must be thoughtful, at least 3-5 sentences (but you are encouraged to say more) and documented by at least one scholarly source that you find (may be a journal article, scholarly book, or web site). You must state why this is a credible source in your commentary. You must also give the complete citation of the source and state why you think it is credible. This is particularly important for web sites because they do not have a peer-review component that scientific journals and books have. 

1. The URL for the new server is http://blackboard.uncg.edu  .  Please use INTERNET EXPLORER rather than Netscape to access this site.

2. Login with your UNCG username and your NOVELL (Netware) password. Anyone who does not know their Novell password can reset their password at http://accounts.uncg.edu . Select the Self Service Password Resetting and answer the questions.  On one screen you will be asked to indicate the account password you are changing. Select the Novell Directory (Netware) password. You do NOT need to know your current password to do this.

IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, the Novell password expires every 90 days (this is set-up through Client Services). Therefore, it is essential that you and
your students are aware of how to access the Self Service Password Resetting page. Blackboard now retrieves all usernames and passwords through an
automatic process, therefore instructors and system administrators can no longer reset passwords.

3. Individuals who have not activated their UNCG accounts will not be able to login in Blackboard since they have not been assigned a UNCG username.
Accounts can be activated at http://accounts.uncg.edu by selecting Unix Communications, Netware & Campus Pipeline Account Creation. If you are not
sure if you have an account, complete the form and the system will either give you an account or will tell you the account username if you already
have one.

4. Email accounts are AUTOMATICALLY set in Blackboard to the UNCG account. Students must check their UNCG email. You can access your email by going to this address: http://espartan.uncg.edu  and logging in with your Novell username and password.

Students who are not enrolled in the course do NOT have access to the discussion forums.  The discussion forums are limited to members of PSY346. Click on the "Courses" tab at the top of the Blackboard window.PSY346 will be listed as a course in which you are participating as well as any other of your courses using Blackboard.Click on PSY346. You will then go to the PSY346 Announcement page.Watch for announcements from your Instructor. There are three red rectangular buttons on the left – Announcements, Discussion Board and Tools.There are some very useful tools for you to use in this course as well as for your personal use.  They are very easy to learn. No one else can use your calendar or tasks list. Find the help button and explore that link. 

Now select the Discussion Board button the left. The first two forums are examples provided by your instructor.You may practice adding New Threads to these forums. Choose the forum in which you want to participate and click on it.   To add your commentary, click on Add New Thread and fill in the subject (put "commentary" in this box) and message boxes. You are advised to prepare your commentary in Word and then paste it into the message box. WARNING: Blackboard has been known to crash and all postings lost. It is essential that you save copies of all your postings.  Remember to add your resource in APA format at the end of your opinion.  For electronic resources click here. For resources in print consult the APA Publication Manual.  If you wish to reply to someone’s commentary or reply, select the Reply button and proceed to compete the subject (put "reply" in this box) and message boxes. You may express your personal opionion in a reply to a reply but not in a reply to a commentary.  A reply to a reply is not graded.  In all cases, when you are finished, select the OK button at the bottom of the page.
 

When posting commentaries and replies please remember to distinguish these in the subject box by labeling your post as COMMENTARY or REPLY
.

When you are ready to leave Blackboard, be sure to LOG OFF.