Follow the guidelines in your class syllabus. Different instructors use discussion boards and written assignments to develop and measure different skills. Follow their instructions - always.
People will express opinions different from yours. Be respectful. No name calling, no profanity, or slang.
Use correct spelling and grammar rather than text shortcuts or hashtags. U R 2 Smrt 4 tht. #spellitout
Do not use all caps. Using all capital letters is equivalent to SHOUTING!
Be brief and stick to the topic. Your instructor and classmates are busy people; respect their time, and they will more likely respect yours.
Always use a subject line that includes your course and section. Instructors often teach four to six classes a semester. Include your class and section with a brief description in the subject line. For example, use "ENGL 1001 (003x) - Exam 2" not "Question, can you call me?"
Use their appropriate title when addressing your faculty member. Look at the syllabus for how to address them. If they have a Ph.D. or Ed.D. after their name, please address them as Dr. If they do not, address them as Professor unless they have asked you to address them in another manner.
Be brief—separate ideas into clear, concise paragraphs with spaces in between.
Verify you are sending to the correct address (check your syllabus).
Be patient. Not all faculty members have offices on campus. They have families and responsibilities outside of teaching. Give them time to respond before re-sending your email. Most faculty will respond within 48 hours (2 business days).
Use email for issues related to only you; use the class discussion area to ask questions that apply to all students or are specifically about content or course policies. Check the syllabus first - the answer may be there.
Tips for Discussion Boards
Participate often - follow submission requirements from the syllabus for each course.
Work to further the discussion. You are a part of the learning community. Responses like "I agree" or "Me, too" do not expand the discussion.
Stay on topic - use reply to keep discussion threads together and put descriptive subjects if you are starting a new thread. Keep comments on the single issue of the line.
Use email for issues related to only you; use the class discussion area to ask questions that apply to all students or are specifically about content or course policies. Check the syllabus first - the answer may be there.