Using the Discussion Board

A discussion board provides students and the instructor the opportunity to discuss issues and exchange ideas while not being online at the same time.

A discussion board is composed of forums and threads. A forum is a conversation about a particular topic. Forums contain threads, which are messages and replies to messages posted within the discussion forum.

An instructor usually creates a number of forums in the discussion board on a specific topic. For example, some instructors include a forum that asks you to introduce yourself to the class. In your discussion boards, you will be asked to either create a thread or reply to a thread.

When You Create Your Messages

If you are creating a thread or reply to a thread that is more than a few sentences in length, it is recommended that you create your message in MS Word or your word processing program and then copy and paste the text into the thread or reply form. This will prevent you from losing your work should an internet connection problem occur.

 

How to Create a Thread in a Forum

First, click on the name of the forum in your discussion board to enter the forum. If your instructor allows you to create your own threads, you will see a "Create Thread" button inside the forum.

Simply click the "Create Thread" button, fill out the form that appears, and click "Submit" to post your thoughts to the forum.

 

How to Reply to a Thread in a Forum

First, click on the name of the forum in your discussion board to enter the forum. Then, click on a thread to view its details and contents. If your instructor allows you to reply to threads, you will see a "Reply" button here.

Simply click the "Reply" button, fill out the form that appears, and click "Submit" to post your reply to the selected thread.