The Discussion Board (DB)

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. 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.

Assignment Details

A mass-casualty incident (MCI) creates a uniquely challenging  management and coordination quagmire. These events can occur as a result  of natural disasters, such as a tsunami, earthquake, or hurricane; they  can be a result of an accident, such as a ferry sinking during  inclement weather; or they can result from an act of violence, such as a  terrorist attack like the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing or the attacks of  September 11, 2001. In any case, these attacks present a unique  challenge to law enforcement, emergency response teams, and government  oversight. 

As you explore the different methods used to deal with MCIs, as well  as the different governmental agencies that may be involved, consider  the following:

Assignment Guidelines

• In 6 paragraphs, address the following:  
  • What federal and state agencies are required to deal with an MCI resulting from a terrorist attack? Why?  
  • How do you distinguish between federal and state authorities for both operational and management functions? Explain.  
    • How do you ensure a fusion of effort between federal and state authorities? Explain. 
  • MCIs resulting from terrorist attacks are considered the  purview of law enforcement. This creates a challenge during  multijurisdictional MCIs. During MCIs resulting from domestic terrorism,  such as the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, what law enforcement agency  should have primary jurisdiction? Why?  
    •  How should federal law enforcement engage state and local law enforcement for support? Why? 
  • Treating long-term physical and mental health effects following  any MCI can prove costly to state governments. How should the federal  government work with states to ensure that proper medical and mental  health is provided? Explain.  
    • What federal and state organizations should be responsible for these efforts? Why? 
• Post a new topic to the Discussion Board that contains your responses to the above questions.  
• Comment on at least two other students’ posts.