Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

1. Using Online Discussion in Blackboard By Andreas Brockhaus Educational Technologist UW, Bothell

2. Discussion Overview Creating Forums Creating Threads Creating Archives Discussion Tips Topics Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

3. 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

4. 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

5. Forums New means unread message 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 Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

6. After creating a forum, use the Modify button to add additional text or change options Click here to add a new forum Change the order of the forums Examples of previously created forums Creating Discussion Forums Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

7. General Topic Title General Topic description No name attached to response If not checked, even instructor can’t change a posted message Instructor can always remove messages Allows students to add threads of discussion Creating Discussion Forums Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

8. Click here to start a main topic of discussion Clicking on submitter’s name pulls up email address Discussion Threads • Threads represents a new question or topic to which students can respond • Threads can be added by the instructor or student Click on subject line to respond Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

9. Instead of just using the default Re:, consider having students change the subject line where appropriate to reflect what their message says Can type in hyperlinks with Smart Text Re-read message before submitting Add Word files, images etc. Can copy and paste in text from Word Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

10. Attachment Subject line changed to more accurately reflect the message Threaded Discussion Example First Thread Second Thread Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

11. 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 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 Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

12. Can move threads back from archive into main forum Select which threads to archive Discussion Archives Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

13. 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 Using Online Discussion in Blackboard