Substantive Post:
* Meaningful contribution: A substantive post adds value to the discussion by offering insights, analysis, personal experiences, or relevant information related to the topic at hand.
* Engaging and thoughtful: It goes beyond superficial comments and demonstrates genuine engagement with the material.
* Evidence-based: It may include references, examples, or research to support its claims.
* Promotes dialogue: It encourages further discussion and exploration of the topic.
Unsubstantive Post:
* Lacking depth: An unsubstantive post offers little to no valuable content or insight.
* Superficial or off-topic: It may simply agree or disagree without elaboration, or veer off into irrelevant tangents.
* Lack of effort: It might contain minimal content or appear rushed or poorly thought out.
* Repetitive or redundant: It may reiterate points already made or simply restate the prompt.
Examples:
* Substantive: "I found the author's argument about the impact of social media on self-esteem compelling. The study they cited about increased anxiety in teenagers who use social media heavily supports their point. I'm curious to know if anyone has personal experiences related to this issue."
* Unsubstantive: "I agree with the author. Social media is bad for mental health."
Why it matters:
* Quality of learning: Substantive posts foster meaningful discussions and deepen understanding of the material.
* Engagement and interaction: They encourage active participation and a sense of community within the online learning environment.
* Assessment: In some online courses, instructors may use the quality of students' posts as a measure of their understanding and engagement.
Instructors often have guidelines for what constitutes a substantive post:
* Word count minimums
* Specific expectations for content (e.g., analysis, evidence)
* Guidelines for respectful and constructive dialogue
It's important to strive for substantive posts in online learning to maximize your learning experience and contribute to a positive online community.