Boosting the signal-to-noise ratio

One of the small ways that I can help students when I’m away from class—and students can help one another—is by participating in our class wiki.

But lately, I’ve noticed that the signal-to-noise ratio in our discussion forum is dropping!

Our great friend Wikipedia tells us that “Signal-to-noise ratio compares the level of a desired signal (such as music) to the level of background noise. The higher the ratio, the less obtrusive the background noise is. Signal-to-noise ratio is sometimes used informally to refer to the ratio of useful information to false or irrelevant data in a conversation or exchange. For example, in online discussion forums and other online communities, off-topic posts and spam are regarded as ‘noise’ that interferes with the ‘signal’ of appropriate discussion.”

I greatly value the discussion forum, and judging from the nearly 100 discussions so far this year, I know that students do, too! In a forum posting this evening, I’ve reminded students of the importance of “postings etiquette,” and I know that with their cooperation we’ll be able to boost our signal-to-noise ratio!