Assignment:
Message has substance and helps to further the discussion of course content. Substantive messages will often include contributions of additional ideas and sources, insights or questions about classmates' comments, connections to the course readings, ways of applying the lessons from the course, etc. As a rule of thumb, your substantive comments should be at least several sentences in length.
Short comments, such as "Good idea" or "I agree," do not constitute substantive posts on their own. Neither do comments that are unrelated to the topics at hand (for example, "I saw that movie, too!") If you say you agree about something, please explain why you agree, and add an additional insight or question.
Tips for Creating Substantive Participation
Explain why you agree or disagree, and add some examples to support your belief.
Relate your personal or work experiences to the topic at hand.
Ask additional questions of your classmates.
Make connections between the topics at hand and the readings in the text.
Add ways you can apply the lessons from the class in your work and educational life.
As a rule of thumb, your posts that you want to count toward your substantive participation grade should be at least 50-75 words.