Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
By Andreas Brockhaus
Educational Technologist
UW, Bothell
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Topics
Discussion Overview Creating Forums Creating Threads
Creating Archives Discussion Tips
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Discussion Overview
Encourages active interaction with concepts, topics outside of the classroom
Can be used to prepare students for class, tests Can be used for peer review of papers
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Discussion Overview
Two discussion areas: the main class discussion area and the small group discussion area
For more information on the small group discussion area, please see the Small Group PowerPoint
To access the main discussion board, click on the Communication button
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Discussion Forums
Instructor creates forum (general topic) Forums can be created through the Control Panel or through the
Communication area
Instructor and students create threads (specific questions or responses). Students can’t create forums
Forums New means
unread message
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Creating Discussion Forums
Click here to add a new forum
Change the order of the forums
Examples of previously created forums
After creating a forum, use the Modify button to add additional text or change options
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Creating Discussion ForumsGeneral Topic Title
General Topic description
If not checked, even instructor can’t change a posted message
No name attached to response
Instructor can always remove messages
Allows students to add threads of discussion
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Discussion Threads
Threads represents a new question or topic to which students can respond
Threads can be added by the instructor or student
Clicking on submitter’s name pulls up email address
Click on subject line to respond
Click here to start a main topic of discussion
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Can type in hyperlinks with Smart Text
Add Word files, images etc.
Re-read message before submitting
Can copy and paste in text from Word
Instead of just using the default Re:, consider having students change the subject line where appropriate to reflect what their message says
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Threaded Discussion Example
Attachment
First Thread
Second Thread
Subject line changed to more accurately reflect the message
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Discussion Archives
If discussions get too long, helpful to archive some of its threads Can only archive entire threads inside a forum No new messages can be added to an archive
Follow the “Click here for Archives” link to create an archive
Click here to create new archive within forum
To add thread(s) to archive, click on Modify after you’ve created the archive
Previously created archive
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Discussion Archives
Can move threads back from archive into main forum
Select which threads to archive
Using Online Discussion in Blackboard
Discussion Tips
Clear guidelines for course requirements Students will use the forum if they perceive that it adds value to
their study Pick topics that encourage participation
Questions or topics that: Investigate ambiguity Help students make connections for a more global view
Hot/Controversial topics Encourage student to student interaction by being the “guide
on the side” rather than the main instigator of questions and comments