Sample Discussion Directions ITE 115 – Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts Assignment 3: Free Music and Videos? Directions This is a discussion assignment with two parts. Complete Part A by 11:59 pm on Thursday. Complete Part B by the end of this week (11:59 pm on Sunday). Part A 1. Consider these facts: According to a statistic in your textbook, over 243 million songs and videos are illegally downloaded from the Internet each month. The Recording Industry of America has begun suing computer users who frequently download music illegally. 2. Post a statement in the Free Music and Videos? class forum (200-300 words) with your answers to the following questions: a. What do you think might happen if this situation doesn't change? b. Is downloading music or videos without paying any different ethically than shoplifting CDs or DVDs from a store? Why or why not? c. Is there a solution to this problem that could make everyone happy? Part B 1. Read the statements by others in the class. 2. Respond to at least two by asking a question. (Choose classmates that haven't already been asked questions by someone else, if any.) Your questions should be one of these three types: o Clarification question - This kind of question helps the writer by asking him to clarify points that you think could be more fully explained. An example of clarification questions is, "You said in your posting that all music is inherently free when it is played into the open air. I don't understand whether you mean physically free, or legally free. Can you explain what you mean in another way?" o Hypothetical question - This kind of question helps the writer by asking her to test her argument by applying it to a situation that you specify. An example of a hypothetical question is, "You proposed that music files be encoded in a non-copyable format. What would happen if somebody boughta new computer and wanted to copy the songs that they bought legally from their old computer?" o Evidence question - When a writer states something as fact rather than personal opinion, his argument is stronger if he cites evidence that the fact is true. Facts can be evidenced, in approximate order of strongest evidence to weakest, (1) by citing trustworthy data, (2) by citing the opinions of experts, (3) by citing repeatable personal experience, or (4) by citing common opinion. This kind of question helps the writer by asking for evidence if he states something as fact but doesn't cite evidence. An example of an evidence question is, "You stated that copying a DVD that you legally own is illegal. Can you tell me why you think that?" 3. Answer any questions asked of you, and read the answers others write. Purpose This assignment helps you learn to think critically about real ethical issues and difficult problems that may not have good solutions, or that may have more than one good solution. Writing for others in a discussion forum helps you think about your answers more carefully. Seeing the opinions of others helps you reflect on and evaluate your own. Grading This assignment is worth 20 points toward your course grade. Your initial posting and your responses to questions should show evidence of thoughtfulness, and your questions for others should be respectful and helpful. ********************* BUS 100 – Introduction to Business Assignment 2: Economics Discussion Directions 1. Read one or two current newspapers, such as the Washington Post or New York Times, and identify at least two current events that will affect the business environment. 2. Pick three companies profiled by someone in the class (you may include your own) and read their portfolios. 3. Write predictions for how each of the two current events you identified will affect each of the three companies. Explain your predictions based on what you have learned this week. 4. Post your predictions to the Economics discussion forum. 5. Read the predictions that others post and respond to at least two (preferably two that have the fewest responses). In your response, tell whether you agree or disagree with their predictions and why.Purpose This assignment will help you practice applying economic theory to cases of real events and businesses. Grading I will participate in the discussion several times a week, but I will not respond to every posting. Rather, I will highlight or summarize key points in the discussion, stimulate additional discussion if needed, correct significant errors as necessary, and monitor and enforce our netiquette rules. I will grade your discussion postings within a week after the due date. I will post your grade in My Grades (in the Tools button), with suggestions or accolades if the quality of your work is particularly lower or higher than expected. This assignment is worth 30 points toward your course grade. I will grade all of your discussion forum assignments on the basis of how well you fulfill the assigned discussion tasks, how well you show that you understand the chapter terms and ideas, and how well you contribute to the overall discussion. Refer to the following table to understand how your discussion assignments will be graded: Required Response • Completed all tasks, answered all questions • Wrote substantive postings of 1 or 2 paragraphs (6 – 8 sentences) for each 14 points Use of Terms and Ideas Learned • Used terms from chapter correctly where appropriate • Used ideas from chapter correctly (with citation) to clarify, explain, or support an argument 8 pointsContribution to Discussion • Replied in thoughtful, meaningful, and helpful ways • Advanced the discussion whenever possible 8 points ********************* PSY 201 – Introduction to Psychology I Assignment 1: Personal Application Outline Directions In the three assignments for this week, you will apply what you have learned to something in your own life, get advice from others in your group, and then reflect on your thinking in ashort essay. Complete this assignment by 11:59 pm Tuesday of Week 10 so that everyone can get and receive feedback before writing their essay. 1. Review the assignments you completed for Weeks 6 - 9, think about what you learned in each one, and think about ways to use what you learned outside of this class. Pick one specific problem, situation, or decision in your own life to which you can apply what you have studied about developmental psychology, sensation, or