Skip HeaderToggle navigationCourse HomeEDU645-01-1903DSkip NavigationSkip Class Navigation

Assignment Overview

Assignment:  Unit 4 – Discussion BoardType:  Discussion BoardPoints Possible:  85Points Earned: Deliverable Length:  See assignment detailsView objectives for this assignmentDetailsLearnReadMy Work 

Assignment Description

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. Two additional responses are required after Friday 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.

Part 1

Consider the following scenario:

Your school has been asked to participate in a pilot program within your district that is dealing with facility efficiencies. Participation in the program will require your school to begin and end operations one hour later than the standard within your community. Your principal has agreed to become part of the pilot program. During the first week of school, it is clear that there are many conflict issues that are surfacing. One issue of major concern to the school is the complaints coming from parents and students regarding late bus rides and late nights completing homework. During class and in the hallways, students are overhearing complaints and reactions from the teachers about the new schedule. Your principal knows that you have been focusing on conflict management and conflict resolution in your course work and has asked you to develop a conflict resolution procedure to address this and similar problems.

Based on the scenario, discuss the following:

• What would be the core elements of a conflict resolution procedure that you would develop?
• As a leader, what would concern you most if this situation arose? Why?
• What do you think about other solutions proposed by the class?
• What would you change or improve about some of the other approaches to the situation?

Part 2

Consider the following scenario:

Your organization has just introduced a new software product to the market. The product release was already several months behind schedule, and the organization head authorized the release before customer service and sales personnel were trained and debriefed on the product. The product has had excellent sales; however, customers are calling in to complain about an installation issue that causes their system to crash. Although the creators of the product are aware of the problem, the fix is not widely known within the organization. Customers are upset when they cannot get help or answers, and they are taking out their frustration on the technicians and representatives who are responding to the calls. The technicians and representatives are blaming the situation on the sales staff for putting out a product with such a problem, and the sales staff is blaming administration and production for putting out a product without giving the sales staff training or debugging information. As more of the product is returned and the profit line is taking a hit, all of the departments involved are feeling pressure from the executive team. Your supervisor knows that you have been focusing on conflict management in your course work and has asked you to develop a conflict resolution procedure to address this and similar problems.

Based on the scenario, answer the following questions:

• What would be the core elements of a conflict resolution procedure that you would develop?
• As a manager, what would concern you most if this situation arose in your area of responsibility?
• What do you think about other solutions proposed by the class?
• What would you change or improve about some of the other approaches to the situation?

In your own words, post a substantive response to the Discussion Board question(s) and comment on other postings.

Your response should address the DB question(s) and move the conversation forward. You will be graded on the quality of your postings, including mastery of the concept as well as critical thinking. If asked for your opinion, do not simply state that it is a good or bad idea; elaborate on your reasons and argument. Include enough detail to substantiate your thinking as well as your position on the questions or comments.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.

Your assignment will be graded in accordance with the following criteria. Click here to view the grading rubric.

Other Information

There is no additional information to display at this time.

Legend

• Extra Credit
• View Assignment Rubric