ONLINE ADJUNCT FACULTY TIP #3 - Should you respond to your own discussion questions?

About 2 years ago, I began responding to the discussion questions I posted within my courses. I would either do this to "start-the-ball-rolling" for a discussion thread or to give an opposing viewpoint. I've found this approach to stimulate additional posts and I believe it also makes an impression on students when the instructor is also participating in course tasks. A word of caution - make sure your responses aren't too polished and comprehensive. You don't want students to feel they can't be candid in the discussion threads.