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.

Scenario:

You are a member of a major metropolitan police department and assigned in a covert narcotics operations unit. Often, while working undercover, you are required to simulate the use of drugs without actually taking them. You have a partner who has always treated you well and taken care of you. On at least one occasion, he pulled you out of the line of fire of a drug dealer just before the offender shot at you. The two of you have been highly successful over the past 18 months. During the last three months, he has been seeing a woman that had acted as an informant on one case. You believe that she has gotten him to use cocaine with her. His performance is falling off, and you are worried that he might be abusing cocaine and compromising his position in the police department.

Respond to the following in discussion: 3–5 Paragraphs

• Why is it important to you that your partner is possibly using drugs?
• Explain at least 2 courses of action you could take about this situation and why you would consider taking them.
• What are the dangers to the unit, your other fellow unit members, and yourself if your partner is actually using cocaine?