Discussion Board (DB)

Discussion Board (DB) Forum Requirements

Great Students,
Greetings to everyone.
To ensure a safe learning environment for everyone and a high academic standard for teaching and learning, I ask everyone to please follow these requirements.

(1.) Please review the Rules of Netiquette.

(2.) Each post should be unique and substantive. Please be creative.
(a.) The post should be on-topic as asked in the Discussion assessment.
(b.) There are several concepts/topics discussed each week as listed in the Pacing Guides. When applicable, post on a different concept/topic that has not been posted by someone else, provided it is a topic/concept listed for that week.
(c.) Review all previous posts from your colleagues and my comments to their posts/responses as applicable, before you submit your own post.
(d.) Unless stated otherwise, all DB posts besides DB 1 are applied problems. We want our students to see the meaning of what they are learning. We want them to relate their learning to real-world applications. In that regard, please post an application of the topic/concept. Review your textbook (eText), solve an applied problem, check the solution at the back of the textbook to ensure you got it correct. Then, submit your post by writing the applied problem completely, solving it by showing all work, and interpreting your solution (Write – Solve – Interpret). Please see the DB Samples for examples of substantive posts.

(3.) (a.) The initial post is typically due on Thursday each week by 11:59 pm EDT.
(b.) Please make only one initial post. In other words, only one thread per student is allowed.
(c.) Multiple posts/threads are not allowed and will not be graded.
(d.) Re-posts are allowed and may be needed based on my comments to your initial post.
(e.) If you need to do a re-post, please post it as a response to my comments or as a response to your first post as applicable. But, please do not create a new thread.
(f.) I am not required to comment on every post. However, if I make any comment to your post, please make sure you address that comment as applicable.
(g.) If you do not understand my comments, please contact me via email and/or attend the Live Sessions/Office Hours. Typically, I do not go back-and-forth with a student (responding more than one time to a student) in DB forums. Hence, it is highly recommended you contact me via email if you have any question regarding my comments.

(4.) (a.) The initial response (response to an initial post) is typically due on Saturday each week by 11:59 pm EDT.
(b.) In your response, please mention the first name of your colleague.
(c.) At least one response (one or more responses) to an initial post of your colleagues is required.
(d.) Please write a substantive response.
A substantive response is the response that provides constructive criticism, alternative approach that gives the same correct output, additional helpful information that will improve the post, and the correction of any incorrect step and/or output among others.
How would you improve the initial post?
Did you find any errors in the initial post? If you do, please correct the error. Teach your colleague about the error, and explain to him/her how to fix it.
What new knowledge can your colleague acquire from you based on your response?
Can you solve the initial post using an alternative approach that will give the same correct output?
What real-world examples/applications can you provide based on the initial post? Discuss/Explain. Do not just state/mention. Cite your sources accordingly.
Did your colleague learn anything meaningful from you based on your response to the initial post?
Please focus on the initial post. Do not deviate from the concept/topic in the initial post. Do not bring up your own unrelated topic/concept.
Teach/Show your colleague something new and meaningful based on the initial post.
Please see the DB Samples for examples of substantive responses.

(5.) (a.) Any attachment should be inserted directly (not attached). Any attachment whose content is not entirely seen directly in the Canvas editor will not be graded.
This implies that no one should click your attachment to see it. Insert it directly so everyone can clearly see it. Please see (b.) below.
(b.) For all Math work (symbols, formulas, equations, fractions, radicals and exponents among others); please use the Insert Math Equation icon.

Equation Editor: Part 1

Equation Editor: Part 2

(c.) Alternatively, if your handwriting is legible; you can write your post/response on paper, take clear pictures of the entire work and insert directly in the Canvas editor.
Do not attach as a file. Insert directly in the editor as a picture.
Use the Snipping Tool or the Snip & Sketch on your computer to take clear screenshots and trim off excess space/irrelevant information, then insert the screenshots directly in the Canvas editor.

(6.) (a.) Use an acceptable font and font size in all your writings.
Times New Roman font with at least a font size of 14pt is highly recommeded.
(b.) Make sure your post and response are well-formatted (visually appealing).

(7.) Please proof-read your writings for mechanical accuracy errors.
Any use of "i" attracts deduction of points.
Multiple mechanical accuracy errors will lead to deduction of points.
I understand that this is not an English class. However, you are expected to write well.

(8.) Sources must be cited accordingly.
You may use the: APA (American Psychological Association) style, MLA (Modern Language Association) style, or the Chicago Manual of Style.

(9.) Please review the Sample Discussion Post and Response.

(10.) Please review the Discussion Board Rubric.

Should you have any questions, please let me know.
Thank you.

Samuel Chukwuemeka
Working together for success

Discussion Board (DB) Samples

Sample 1:
Example Post
Topic: Solving Problems and Explaining Solutions
Concept: Critical Thinking
Word Problem/Application:
Thomas stood on the middle rung of a ladder.
He climbed up 3 rungs, moved down 5 rungs, and then climbed up 7 rungs.
Then he climbed up the remaining 2 rungs to the top of the ladder.

(a.) How many rungs are above the middle rung of the ladder?
(b.) How many rungs are below the middle rung of the ladder?
(c.) How many rungs are there in the whole ladder?

Solution:
Quantitative Reasoning Approach:
Climbing up is positive
Climbing down is negative
Initial position = middle rung = 0
He climbed up 3 rungs = 3
moved down 5 rungs = −5
climbed up 7 rungs = 7
climbed up the remaining 2 rungs = 2
This implies: 0 + 3 − 5 + 7 + 2 = 7
Top = 7th rung
(a.) There are 7 rungs above the middle rung of the ladder
(b.) Similarly, there are 7 rungs below the middle rung of the ladder
(c.) The total number of rungs = 7 rungs + middle rung + 7 rungs = 7 + 1 + 7 = 15 rungs.

Interpretation/Conclusion/Decision:
Because there are 7 rungs above the middle rung, and 7 rungs below the middle rung; including the middle rung, there are 15 rungs.

Reference:
Chukwuemeka, Samuel (2023). Critical Thinking, Reasoning/Argument, Problem Solving. Retrieved July 27, 2023, from https://quantitativereasoning.appspot.com/LogicReasoning/CriticalThinking.html

Example Response
Samuel, you explained the solution well. You used the Quantitative Reasoning approach.
We can solve the question using another approach: Diagrammatic/Graphical Approach:
We can represent the information on a diagram. This approach is especially useful for visual learners.

Critical Thinking

The total number of rungs = 7 rungs above Middle rung + 7 rungs below Middle rung + Middle rung = 15 rungs.

Sample 2:
Example Post
Topic: Measures of Center (Linear and Other Relationships)
Concept: Grade Point Average (GPA)
Word Problem/Application:
At the end of the second semester, Rita earned an A in the 4-credit Algebra course, a B in the 3-credit English course, a B in the 4-credit Biology course, an A in the 4-credit Chemistry course, and a C in the 1-credit Chinese Language course.
Using a 4-point grade system, A is equivalent to 4 points, B is equivalent to 3 points, C is equivalent to 2 points, D is equivalent to 1 point, and F has no point. Calculate Rita's grade point average (GPA) for the second semester.

Solution:
Let us represent this information in a table.

GPA Calculation
Course	Grade	Point	Credit Hour (CH)	Grade Point (GP) = Point * CH
Algebra	A	4	4	4 * 4 = 16
English	B	3	3	3 * 3 = 9
Biology	B	3	4	3 * 4 = 12
Chemistry	A	4	4	4 * 4 = 16
Chinese	C	2	1	$2 * 1 = 2$
			$\Sigma CH = 16$	$\Sigma GP = 55$

$ GPA = \dfrac{\Sigma GP}{\Sigma CH} \\[5ex] = \dfrac{55}{16} \\[5ex] = 3.4375 \\[3ex] \approx 3.44 \\[3ex] $

Interpretation/Conclusion/Decision:
Rita's grade point average for the second semester is 3.44.

Reference:
Chukwuemeka, Samuel (2023). Measures of Central Tendency. Retrieved June 26, 2023, from https://statistical-science.appspot.com/DescriptiveStatistics/measuresCenter.html

Example Response
Nice work, Samuel.
The use of the table makes for easier comprehension.
Let's assume Rita already knows her grades in Algebra, English, Biology, and Chemistry, but does not know her grade in Chinese.
She wants a GPA of at least 3.44.
What is the minimum grade that she make in Chinese to make at least a GPA of 3.44 for the second semester?

Let the point that she needs to make in the Chinese course be x
We do not know the grade but when we find the point, it will help determine the grade.
May I use your table?

GPA Calculation
Course	Grade	Point	Credit Hour (CH)	Grade Point (GP) = Point * CH
Algebra	A	4	4	4 * 4 = 16
English	B	3	3	3 * 3 = 9
Biology	B	3	4	3 * 4 = 12
Chemistry	A	4	4	4 * 4 = 16
Chinese	$x$	$x$	1	$x * 1 = x$
			$\Sigma CH = 16$	$\Sigma GP = 53 + x$

At least a GPA of 3.44 means: ≥ 3.44 $ \implies \\[3ex] \dfrac{53 + x}{16} \ge 3.44 \\[5ex] 53 + x \ge 16(3.44) \\[3ex] 53 + x \ge 55.04 \\[3ex] x \ge 55.04 - 53 \\[3ex] x \ge 2.04 \\[3ex] $ A point of at least 2.04 means a C and above.
Rita needs to make at least a C grade in the Chinese course to earn a GPA of 3.44

Sample 3:
Example Post
Topic: Linear Functions
Concept: Slope
Word Problem/Application:
In January 2004, the price of a gallon of milk was $3.30 per gallon.
In January 2015, the price was $3.76 per gallon.
Calculate the average rate of change in the price of a gallon of milk from 2004 to 2015.
Interpret your solution.
(Source: United States Department of Labor).

Solution:
The average rate of change is also known as the slope.
From the information, we see that the input is the year and the output is the price of a gallon of milk.

Student: How did you know?
Teacher: What variable depends on what variable? Does the price of milk depend on the year, or does the year depend on the price of milk?
Student: The price of milk depends on the year.
Teacher: That is correct. This means that the price of milk is the ...
Student: Dependent variable also known as the output or the $y-value$
Teacher: That is correct. The year is the ...
Student: Independent variable also known as the input or the $x-value$
Teacher: Correct. Another reason is the based on the wording of the question: it asked for the average rate of change in the "price" based on the "year"
This means the changes in the output based on the changes in the input.
That describes the slope.

$ Point\:1 = (2004, 3.30) \\[3ex] x_1 = 2004 \\[3ex] y_1 = 3.30 \\[3ex] Point\:2 = (2015, 3.76) \\[3ex] x_2 = 2015 \\[3ex] y_2 = 3.76 \\[3ex] m = \dfrac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \\[5ex] where: \\[3ex] m = slope \\[3ex] x_1 = initial\;\;x-value \\[3ex] y_1 = initial\;\;y-value \\[3ex] x_2 = new\;\;x-value \\[3ex] y_2 = new\;\;y-value \\[3ex] m = \dfrac{3.76 - 3.30}{2015 - 2004} \\[5ex] = \dfrac{0.46}{11} \\[5ex] = 0.041818182 \\[3ex] $ Interpretation/Conclusion/Decision:
The average rate of change in the price of a gallon of milk from 2004 to 2015 is about $0.0418 per year.
This means that there was an increase of about $0.04 (4 cents) in the price of a gallon of milk per year from 2004 to 2015

Reference:
Chukwuemeka, Samuel (2018). Word Problems on Linear Functions. Retrieved May 12, 2023, from https://precalculus.appspot.com/RelationsFunctions/linearFunctionsApplications.html

Example Response
Samuel, you did well in your work.
We can check your interpretation to ensure it is correct.

Check the Interpretation
Use the exact (not approximate) values of the slope.

$ 2004:\:\:Price = \$3.30 \\[3ex] 2005:\:\:Price \approx 3.30 + 0.041818182 = 3.341818182 \\[3ex] 2006:\:\:Price \approx 3.341818182 + 0.041818182 = 3.38363636 \\[3ex] 2007:\:\:Price \approx 3.38363636 + 0.041818182 = 3.42545454 \\[3ex] 2008:\:\:Price \approx 3.42545454 + 0.041818182 = 3.46727272 \\[3ex] 2009:\:\:Price \approx 3.46727272 + 0.041818182 = 3.5090909 \\[3ex] 2010:\:\:Price \approx 3.5090909 + 0.041818182 = 3.55090908 \\[3ex] 2011:\:\:Price \approx 3.55090908 + 0.041818182 = 3.59272726 \\[3ex] 2012:\:\:Price \approx 3.59272726 + 0.041818182 = 3.63454544 \\[3ex] 2013:\:\:Price \approx 3.63454544 + 0.041818182 = 3.67636362 \\[3ex] 2014:\:\:Price \approx 3.67636362 + 0.041818182 = 3.7181818 \\[3ex] 2015:\:\:Price \approx 3.7181818 + 0.041818182 = \$3.75999998 \approx \$3.76 $

Criteria	Ratings			Points
Post	50 to > 40.0 pts Proficient Post is substantive, on-topic, and submitted on time.	40 to > 25.0 pts Fair Post is substantive, and on-topic, but not submitted on time; and/or Post is not substantive and on-topic, but submitted on time.	25 to > 0 pts Novice No post was submitted; and/or Post is not substantive; and/or Post is partly substantive but not submitted on time; and/or Post is off-topic.	50 pts
Response	30 to > 24.0 pts Proficient Response is substantive.	24 to > 15.0 pts Fair Response is not substantive.	15 to > 0 pts Novice No response was submitted; and/or Response is not substantive.	30 pts
Requirements	20 to > 16.0 pts Proficient All DB requirements were followed; or Some DB Requirements were followed.	16 to > 10.0 pts Fair Some DB Requirements were followed.	10 to > 0 pts Novice Some DB Requirements were followed; or No DB Requirement was followed.	20 pts
Total Points: 100

Discussion Board (DB) Assessments

Discussion Board (DB) Forum Requirements

Discussion Board (DB) Samples

Discussion Board (DB) Rubric

Week 1 Discussion