The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.
At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.
The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.
You have just been hired by Greg’s Goofy Gadgets. You are an IT professional, and you are tasked solely with fixing computers for the company. The position is temporary—it is a 6-month contract. You will be paid $14.00 per hour, and taxes will not be withheld; you will be responsible for paying them on your own. The company has provided you with a computer to use while you are on the job, and it also hired 2 students on college break to work under you for the duration of the project; you will be considered their manager. Discuss whether you will be considered an independent contractor.
Be sure to answer the following questions to defend your position:
- What are the factors the court looks at in determining whether a person is an independent contractor?
- Are you an agent of the company? What constitutes an agent?
- Based on the facts in the scenario, are you an independent contractor or an employee?