Improved Program Structure / GMBA-EN-BL2015-S2

#1: -  

I believe that the main issue with the post length is that if there is no public warning or mention of a post being too long, progressively people will continue to increase little by little the length, and then the five line rule becomes irrelevant. This is a particular problem when professors praise the content of long posts. In short, it sends the idea that length equals higher probability of distinction. By strict enforcement we mean that the professor must add in their reply a warning because of the length if it’s reasonable 6 to 8 lines, but, if the post is 8+ lines then a definite dismissal. Sometimes a post that adds a line more of good content is very welcome, however, when all continuously go beyond the limit it becomes a content coverage competition. To limit this effect, we believe that it’s the professor’s responsibility to openly warn and tag posts, and in extreme cases dismiss them from counting towards participation. With regards to the five post reduction, this is not because of post length; the main reason is to decrease the time sensitive nature of the forum and focus on quality over quantity, consequently, increasing the learning rate of us all. See below:

5 posts per class, per session, equals 10 posts over a 96hour period. ( 9.6 hours/post) With 310 posts to read of 5 lines=1550 lines over a 96 hours period. (16.15 lines/hour)

Vs.

4 posts per class, per session, equals 8 posts over a 96hour period. ( 12hours/post) With 248 posts to read of 5 lines=1240 lines over a 96 hours period. (12.9 lines/hour)

Warm regards,

Alain