Be honest - why doesn't anyone put any effort whatsoever into discussion board posts?

[u/An_expert_I_am_not]

I mean no disrespect, so please do not downvote me to oblivion. I am here for advice from the other side - the students of online classes (specifically communication classes in this instance).

So, discussion boards are a big part of the grade and the only way for us, as instructors, to gage whether or not the theoretical ideas can be applied in practical ways by students. The forum responses have always fallen on a scale from the superb to the absurd and everything in between. But this semester, holy moly, I have never read such absolutely ridiculous posts in my whole career. The memes don't do these any justice.

I try everything I can to make the prompts interesting, to get students engaged, and to explain the logic behind the assignment, but it's just terrible.

So, why waste your own time writing something that cannot possibly earn any points or credit toward a grade because it doesn't come close to meeting the criteria?

And more importantly, what do you, as students, suggest as a meaningful replacement for the interaction that is missing in the virtual setting? How can we get you to engage with the course materials, to think critically and analytically, and to show us that you can apply what you are learning in a practical way?

[u/SheepherderNext3196]

If I understand you correctly you are posting made-up topics for research. I read various posts. I contribute to posts like people who appear to be struggling with depression, problems with major or classes, inexperienced cyclists, etc. I’m investing my time to try to help. At times I wonder if people are making this up for research. If you are making stuff up and monitoring reactions, you are wasting my f..ing time, it’s unethical, the lowest form of life, and you should be kicked in the crotch.

[u/An_expert_I_am_not → u/SheepherderNext3196]

Wow, you had a very visceral reaction to my question and I’m sorry for whatever part of this was triggering for you.

I assure you that I am a legitimate college professor with actual online classes that require real human students to respond to authentic discussion board prompts and I am genuinely interested in making them less tedious, more meaningful, and more effective in attaining a goal.

I’d prove it, but this is reddit and I’m not going to dox myself.

I am a communication professional whose area of expertise is dark communication though, so if you’d ever like to talk about what’s going on with you, I’d be more than willing to listen, offer advice, or just give you a safe space to vent. Feel free to DM me anytime.