Using the Discussions Tool
Instructional Tips for using the Discussions Tool

Post a Message

• Click the Discussions Icon. The Discussions table appears. This shows the various topics available under discussions. You'll notice that it contains three default topics: All, Main, and Notes. All contains all messages from all public topics; Main is the principal discussion area; and Notes contains all messages related to specific pages of content in a Content Module. Since the course is new, there will be no messages in any of the topics.
• Click the topic you wish to post in (try Main for now).
• Click Compose Message. The Compose Message window appears.
• Type your message. Be sure to include a subject.
• Click Post. The Discussion Messages screen appears but you won't see your message yet. To see the message, click Update the listing.

Read a Message

• Click the hyperlink to the message. The message appears. Notice how it includes the name of the person who sent the message, along with the date and time that it was sent.

Reply to a Message

• Now, let's try replying to the message that you sent. Normally, of course, someone else would be replying to your message, but since there aren't any actual students this is the only way we can show you how messages are presented.
• Click on a message and read it. Then click Reply. The Compose Message window appears.
• Type your message.
• Click Post. The Discussion Messages screen appears.
• Click Update the listing. Your reply appears. If you don't see your original message, click All messages.

Threaded vs. Unthreaded

• Click Threaded. When messages are displayed by threads, you'll see the subject of the thread, and then the original message on that subject. Beneath that you'll see any replies. Replies are indented.
• Click Unthreaded. Your messages are arranged in chronological order.

Adding Discussion Topics

The Discussion area contains three default topics: All, Main, and Notes. All contains all messages from all public topics; Main is the principal discussion area; and Notes contains all messages related to specific pages of content in a Content Module.You can create other discussion topics.

• Click Manage Topics. The Manage Topics screen appears.
• Select Add, and in the text box, type the topic.
• Click Go. You'll see the new topic added to the Topic Settings table.
• Managing Discussion Topics