The Discussion Board

Using the Discussion Board

The Discussion Board allows you to communicate with students and the instructor in your class. Conversations are logged and organized making it easy for both you and the instructor to see who is participating in the discussions.

Discussion board questions are initiated by the instructor by creating a forum. Forums can only be created by the instructor. Once created, students can answer the discussion board question by creating a thread.

Below is the typical method for accessing the Discussion Board tool in your course.  Your instructor may place links elsewhere in the course to the Discussion Board tool, and it may be named differently.

Step 1: On the Course Menu, select Communication.
Step 2: Select Discussion Board. 
Step 3: Select the Forum you were instructed to go to.

Graphic of the Navigation Bar and Communications Area in Bb

Watch the Blackboard Created Video: Using the Discussion Board

Forum
Forums can only be created by the Instructor. Click on the link, in the example above, Discussion Question 1 to add a Thread.
 

Search within a forum
Step 1: Select Tree View at the upper right.
Step 2: Click the Search link in the upper right hand corner, just below the View buttons.
Step 3: Type your search words into the SEARCH box. Select other search criteria and click the Search button.
Step 4: The search results will be displayed with the Keyword field bolded.
 

Thread
To add your initial response, click on the Add New Thread button.
 
Thread Form
 
Adding a thread is similar to filling out a form or an email. Add a subject in the Subject text box area. Enter your message in the Message text box. Notice that the text box contains word processor like functions so you can format your text.

You can also attach a file to your answer by clicking on the Browse button in the Attachment area. The Browse button opens the Choose File window in Windows and allows you to search for your file.

Click on the Submit button when you have finished your thread.
 

Responding to Other Students Threads

  1. Click on the Thread link.
  2. Click on Reply button to post a reply to a message.

 

 

Helpful Hints

Reading Messages:

You can save a lot of time if you open each message in a new browser window (right-click on the message and choose Open in New Window). After reading the message, you simply close the browser window to return to the message list without having to reload the entire list each time.

Entering Subject Headings:

When posting a reply, clear the subject heading and enter a new subject heading to identify the purpose and intent of your reply. Meaningful and descriptive titles will make it easier for you and other students to see the direction and flow of the discussions when viewing the forum index.

Modifying and Deleting Your Messages:

It is possible that your instructor may have configured the forum to allow you to modify and delete any messages you may have posted to the forum. To modify a previously posted message, click on the message and then click on the "Modify" button located at the top right portion of the message window. If you have permission to delete the message, click on the "Delete" button.