Perry Dvorak

I have a problem getting students to actively participate in discussion boards. They are required to participate at leas three times per week. When they do participate, a lot of times there is no thought behind the posting. I can tell it was written to meet institutions policy. Asking questions that try to promote learning, and push them to succeed does not help. Any other suggestions to help promote DB postings that are though provoking, and help other students want to learn more? Perry