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

Using Online Discussion in Blackboard Topics  Discussion Overview Discussion Overview  Creating Forums Creating Forums  Creating Threads Creating Threads  Creating Archives Creating Archives  Discussion Tips 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 Forums General Topic TitleGeneral Topic description If not checked, even instructor can’t change a posted message No name attached to responseInstructor 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 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