Using Blackboard-Discussion Board
How to Participate in the Class Discussion Board
Your instructor may have set up a discussion board for use in your class. There are several ways an instructor might use the discussion board and your participation is probably factored into the overall grading scheme. A discussion begins with a Forum which might be tied to a specific chapter or lesson, an overall topic, or a general area. Most likely you will not be asked to create a new forum - this will be set up by the instructor.Within a Forum a discussion contains threads (the main ideas) and replies (responses to threads). Its very important to pay attention when you are posting your ideas to make sure they are placed in the appropriate place.
How to Open a Forum:
Click on the Forum you wish to enter.
How to Add a New Thread:
If your instructor has set up your discussion board to allow new threads you can click on the New Thread button to create a new thought to the forum.
In the Subject field type in the subject for your new post. This should be short and concise and sum up your thought. In the Message field type in your message. Click on the Previewbutton to see what it will look like once its posted. If you need to make changes, click on the Back button on your browser. To post the thread, click on the Submit button.
How to Open a Thread:
Click on the thread you'd like to open. Threads are generally aligned to the outermost left.
How to Reply to a Thread:
Click on the Thread that you'd like to respond to and then click on the Reply button.
Options
- Subscribe
Your instructor can set up a discussion forum so that you have to option to subscribe to new threads and/or replies and get notified by email. Click on the subscribe button and following the directions.
- Search for a Message
If you need to search for a sepecific message there are several search options. Click on the Search link at the upper right. You can search for keywords or by author in the subject, or subject and body.
