You will be expected to participate weekly in discussions online with your classmates and teacher.  Instructors generally award points that count towards the class grade for frequent and substantial contributions that encourage and add to the class discussions.

These discussions are similar to a classroom discussion, but with a few significant differences. 

	The discussions are written, not spoken.
	Students are not always online at the same time, but write their discussion entries and save them for their classmates to read and to respond when they are online.
	Discussion entries are saved and may be reviewed or reread from time to time.
	Writing in an online discussion gives students time to thoughtfully compose their ideas before posting for their classmates to read.

Additionally, the class discussions are a valuable method of interacting with your classmates and receiving support and encouragement with your writing.  While online classes might seem lonely at times, there is always a classmate to talk with in the online discussions!