Effective Online Discussion Tips

Effective Online Discussion Tips

Let's Start with Grammar

Grammar is the foundation of clear communication, especially in written discussions. Here are some tips and common errors to watch out for, along with corrections to help you write effectively.

Common Grammar Mistakes and Corrections:

  1. Subject-Verb Agreement
    • Incorrect: The students was excited about the project.
    • Correct: The students were excited about the project.

  2. Misplaced Modifiers

    • Incorrect: She almost drove her kids to school every day.
    • Correct: She drove her kids to school almost every day.

  3. Incorrect Pronoun Usage

    • Incorrect: Everyone should bring their own lunch.
    • Correct: Everyone should bring his or her own lunch.

  4. Run-on Sentences

    • Incorrect: I love writing it is so much fun.
    • Correct: I love writing. It is so much fun.

  5. Comma Splices

    • Incorrect: I went to the store, I bought some milk.
    • Correct: I went to the store, and I bought some milk.

Grammar Resources:

  1. Grammarly: An online grammar checker that helps you find and correct mistakes in your writing. Grammarly
  2. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): A comprehensive resource for grammar rules and writing tips. Purdue OWL
  3. Hemingway Editor: A tool that highlights complex sentences and common errors. Hemingway Editor
  4. Scribbr Free Grammar Checker: An excellent resource for grammar and vocabulary. Scribbr

Practicing Netiquette

Participating in online discussions is an essential part of your course community at NIMAA. It’s important to maintain a respectful, professional, and polite tone in all interactions. As future medical assistants, you should follow these simple rules to keep our community positive and safe.

Key Principles of Netiquette:

  1. Be Respectful and Professional
    • Always be kind and respectful to others. Use polite language and avoid using slang or too casual words. Your posts should show that you are serious about your work.

  2. Use Proper Language, Grammar, and Spelling

    • Make sure your posts have correct grammar and spelling. This helps others understand you better and shows you care about your writing.

  3. Justify Your Opinions

    • When you share your thoughts, explain why you think that way. Giving reasons or examples makes your posts more interesting and helpful.

  4. Credit the Ideas of Others

    • If you mention someone else’s ideas or work, give them credit. This shows respect for their work and keeps things fair.

  5. Do Not Misinform

    • Always share accurate information. Check your facts before posting to make sure you are not spreading wrong information. This is very important in medical discussions.

  6. Treat the Forum as a Safe Space

    • Keep other people’s information private. Don’t share someone else’s picture, information, comments, or work without their permission. This helps everyone feel safe.

  7. Report Biases and Infractions

    • If you see any unfair or inappropriate behavior, tell your instructor right away. It’s everyone’s job to keep the forum respectful and inclusive.

Advice for New and Current Students

Here are some valuable tips from a successful graduate of our program that can help you excel in your discussions:
  1. Make sure your questions and answers are clear and free from errors. This not only helps others who may have the same questions but also makes your contributions more impactful.
  2. Write responses that immediately grab attention. An engaging discussion post stands out when it captures the reader's interest right away.
  3. Respond in a professional yet clear manner that anyone can understand. This approach helped our graduate excel as a Medical Assistant.
  4. Fully grasp what is required for each discussion board assignment. If you understand, your clarity will help others understand your contributions as well.
  5. Add personal experiences to your discussions to showcase your unique perspective and personality.
  6. View the online community as a supportive and relatable space where you can learn from others and offer help when needed.
  7. Be open to evolving opinions based on the knowledge gained throughout the course. This flexibility shows growth and understanding.
  8. Utilize tools like Microsoft Word to catch typos and grammar errors. Additionally, reading your responses aloud can help ensure they flow smoothly and convey your message effectively.

These insights can guide you in creating meaningful and effective contributions to our discussions, enhancing your learning experience at NIMAA.

By Susan Klos and Lucy Wolski

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