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 Friday of each week. 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.
You are working in a rehab facility and a family comes to you for assistance in dealing with their 19-year-old son who has recently been charged with felony possession of methamphetamines. They report that his friends recently started a lab to alleviate the poverty in their family. Upon further discussion, you find out that there are many relatives in the family with similar problems. However, there are also those who stopped using abruptly and those who have never used at all. You also find out that there is a propensity to mental illness in the family.
Assignment Guidelines
•In 5–7 paragraphs, address the following: ◦Given your understanding of genetics and environmental factors, what do you think the core of the problem is with this client? Explain.
◦Do you think his problems are more genetic or environmental in nature? Why? ◾For example, is it peer pressure, ease of access, inquisitiveness, or a genetic predisposition that is driving his behavior? Explain.
◦What is one argument for genetic predisposition that you think best applies to this scenario (you must choose one)? Explain.
◦What is one argument for environmental factors that you think best applies to this scenario (you must choose one)? Explain.
•Post a new topic to the Discussion Board that contains your responses to the above questions.
•Comment on at least two other students’ posts.