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

Using Online Discussion in Blackboard

By Andreas Brockhaus

Educational Technologist

UW, Bothell


Topics

Discussion Overview Creating Forums Creating Threads

Creating Archives Discussion Tips


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Threaded Discussion Example

Attachment

First Thread

Second Thread

Subject line changed to more accurately reflect the message


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


Discussion Archives

Can move threads back from archive into main forum

Select which threads to archive


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