http://thebach.edublogs.org/2008/08/25/7-habits-of-highly-effective-online-discussion-participants/

Be descriptive – an accurate summary

Example from a discussion about Applying TeacherTube to the Classroom - 2.8

If you are replying to someone else’s post, also change the subject line.

Quote the part of the phrase you are replying to so others don’t have to search for the reference.“I agree with John.” …. Reply with the information you are referring to

or responding about

Most of our discussion forums only run for the week of the session.

To keep up with what is happening, log in at least each day and check it. You can also ‘subscribe’ to the forum so you get email posts when someone replies.

To help the reader, use highlighting of key points and keywords, or make them bold.

Create lists of items or bullet points as well (example below)

Include links to the original resource you are discussing rather than copying the entire paragraph or page.

It helps others locate the resource as well.

Use your mouse and right-click (or control-click for a mac) to open a linked resource as a new page (or new tab) so you continue to keep your original page handy to return to.

Are you creating a new post?

Are you replying to someone?

These examples are from the course I teach for Michigan State University in Educational Technology

We use the Angel Course Management System for the course (recently purchased by Blackboard)