As an online student in the past I remember not getting nervous for the first day of class because they could not see or hear me. This is a great advantage because I love pajamas and I have a little voice when i want to and often have to repeat myself. Online learning is a relaxed virtual class and I feel the class discussion should be relaxed as well and not be a place to put your views on politics or religion. But more of water cooler discussion place where you gain knowledge from others but walk away from a discussion if need be.. I myself will removing a post due to this or if similar content is getting out of hand, or even too much of personal stories taking up discussion board this would distract from the educational purpose.