Learning Outcomes

• Create community and connection with your peers.
• Discuss homeostatic imbalances and how they relate to organ systems.
• Become more aware of current research relating to topics in health science.
• Pursue your own interests in health science, including topics not covered in the content of this course, by finding research on topics of interest.
• Improve digital literacy and assess credibility of online health information.

Current Research in Health and Medicine

For each discussion, you have the opportunity to earn points toward your required points of class participation by posting a minimum of one thread and three (3) replies. The thread and minimum replies are required to be spread over three different days. And you are encouraged to reply to more than the minimum to support your peers.

• Be sure to read all of the following directions before posting in this discussion area.
• There are two deadlines in the Calendar. The first deadline is for the required thread on an article. The second deadline is the last day replies are accepted in that Discussion.
• You are advised not to wait until last day of discussion. Only one of your replies will count for credit on each  of the last two days of the discussion.
• The discussions are a way to apply what you have learned. Set up reminders in your phone or computer calendar to read and reply to posts over the time the discussion is open.
  • The more time you invest reading your peers’ post and articles, the more you will find this activity relevant to your future studies and helpful in learning the material for the exams.
• Looks for exam tips and study suggestions in the posts from your instructor.
• Again, you are encouraged to engage in the discussion and reply more than minimum number of replies reqquired. This is an opportunity to learn about new diseases and support your peers in their posts.

Required: Research Article Post (10 points)

• Choose a disease or disorder related to the Module you are studying that would be of interest and relevant to your future studies. Then, find a recent research study on that disease or disorder.
  • Each discussion description provides the corresponding systems on which to post. For example, the first discussion would be on Modules 2, 3 or 4 (Endocrine, Blood or Immune) diseases. Find a recent journal article or news report on an article or study related to that disease for your post.
• The focus of our conversations will be on current research in health science. Thus, posts must be current (source no more than one year old) and based on the organ systems indicated for each discussion. If you have an article you’ve found an older article or want clarification on whether or not an article meets the requirements, feel free to email your instructor for guidance.
• If you find a news article on a study, make sure to find and post on the actual study, not the news report.
• In order to receive full credit, thread should be between 200-400 words maximum with a link to the article or source by the stated deadline in the Course Schedule and be the first person to post on the topic.

• Select “Start a New Thread” and include the following:

  • Put full title of your article in “Enter a subject” space. 
  • Address the following questions over a few paragraphs:
    • What is the title of your article or podcast? On what date (day/month/year) was it published online?
    • Include a direct link to the full article. 
      • Note that you can also include a PDF attachment.
      • Make sure the link is direct and does not require going through a database. 
      • Verify the link is going to the full article, not just the abstract.
    • Why did you find this particular article interesting? In other words, what caught your attention, thus leading you to choose to share it?
    • How does this topic relate to what we are studying our course? Include a summary, how it relates to what we are learning and a brief description of any disease.
    • How might you apply it to the clinical care of a patient?
      
    • If applicable, how does the study address affect different populations or present any health disparities?
    • What is something new that you learned from the article? How did it change your perspective or opinion?
    • What questions came up for you after reading the article?
    • Do you find the study credible? How did you make this determination? Can you identify any biases?

Research Article Searches

You can search any place online. Here are some ideas:

• Here are other resources to consider:
  • Google Scholar
  • Pubmed Journal References
  • Pima Library Research Guide 
  • Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Required: 3 Replies to Others (5 points each)

• Each reply must be a minimum of 5 meaningful sentences (assuming proper grammar and spelling) that you write in response to other students and/or your instructor’s posts. Each meaningful sentence will be worth 1 points.
• You will need at least three replies in order to receive full credit of 6 points.
• Only one post will be eligible for credit each day on the last two days of the discussion (but again you are encouraged to support your classmates post more than the minimum).
• Replies are usually between 100-300 words.
• NOTE: If your replies are very short, then you will need to create more of them. Sentences that are basically just statements thanking others for their posts, complimenting them (e.g. “great post”), or saying that you “agree” or “disagree” without saying why do not contribute substance to the conversation, and thus will not be counted toward the required sentences.
• Here are suggestions on creating your reply:
  • Did the post bring up any questions or the need for further information? You can look for addition articles on the same or related topics.
  • How has the topic impacted you or someone that you know?
  • How does the disease of the research impact various populations?
  • Is there some other aspect of the disease or illness that you can research? Aspects of a disease include cause, prevention, work-up (imaging or tests), signs and symptoms, genetics, treatment, etc.
  • Create a potential test question on this topic.

• When replying, do not select “Add original post text” at the bottom of the frame. Your post should only include your text.
• So that you are fully engaged in this class discussion and get the most out of this activity, you are encouraged to read and reply to discussions regularly and not stick to the minimum when it comes to replies.
• Please check back regularly to see who has replied to your thread and/or other posts in order to engage in a conversation. These discussions are most rewarding when there are continual back and forth conversations going on throughout the discussion topic availability.
• While you will receive credit for multiple replies within one thread as part of that back and forth conversation, I would encourage you to post in and engage in others’ posts to get the most out of this assignment.

Other Grading Criteria

• Post on time! If you want to avoid losing points as a result of posting too late, follow these simple rules:
  • Remember there are two deadlines. One for your own thread and one for the two required replies. If you post on an article after the deadline, there will be a 50% deduction.
  • Don’t wait until the last day of the discussion topic availability to make your replies.  Only one post or reply is eligible for credit each of the final two days of the discussion.
  • The discussion closes on the deadline day, and there are no extensions for discussions.
• Each meaningful sentence with care to spelling and grammar.
• 1 point deduction for no direct link to the source.
• Remember posts on article must be on current research of a disease or disorder related to the discussion’s module topics and within the past year. Research studies over a year old must be approved by your instructor.
  • If you have any questions on whether an article meets the requirements, don’t hesitate to send it to your instructor for approval.