Discussions in an online class might take place in discussion forums, which allow students to log on and post at different times (asynchronous), or in chat rooms or similar settings, which require that all participants be logged on at the same time (synchronous).
When communicating in these settings, realize that the purposes of each are slightly different. In an asynchronous discussion forum, your instructor usually expects deeper-level thinking expressed in longer chunks—several sentences and even full paragraphs. Chat-based discussions take place in real time, so messages should be kept shorter—perhaps two or three lines. In both settings, your role as a learner and participant is to advance the discussion and contribute in a meaningful way.
Participation in a discussion forum
Tips for participating in asynchronous discussions
Tips for participating in synchronous discussions
Related topics:
Submitting your best work
Communicating courteously and professionally with your instructor and classmates
Submitting only your own work