One of the perks offered to students unable to physically attend class is the opportunity to enroll in online classes. 

In order to graduate in December, I needed to take one class this summer so I could adequately handle my school load for the fall. I also need to work as many hours as possible during the summer to ensure I can afford the classes I need to graduate. 

An online class was the perfect opportunity to make sure I worked as many hours as possible but still had the chance to get my class work done. Little did I know how crucial a role some discussion boards have become to pass online classes. 

From a practical sense, discussion boards are a good idea. It gives the students time to ask classmates questions and discuss current topics of study.

But more and more teachers are starting to make discussion boards worth a large part of your final grade, some going as far as not meriting you the opportunity to pass class if you improperly participate. In my class, 40 percent of my grade is based on discussion board posts. 

I understand a professor not wanting to put a test online since it would be easy for students to cheat, but I do not agree that discussion boards should determine if I pass or fail a class. 

My work schedule fluctuates from week to week. So when I know my work schedule for the next week, I make my schedule and allocate certain times during my day for class work. If I know I will be working 20 hours between Friday and Saturday, I will schedule a large chunk of time on Monday to work on my school assignments. It becomes difficult when I am required by a professor to not only contribute my own discussion, but to reply to multiple other students; I am at the mercy of my classmates. If I am the only student trying to stay ahead of a looming deadline while other students are waiting until the last minute, I have to not only find another time to answer other discussion posts, but also pray that I have a moment of free time before the deadline. 

In theory, I agree with the concept and practical applications of why discussion board participation is a good idea in an online class; however, I do not agree that such a heavy emphasis of my online grade should be contributed to discussion posts.