FIRST YEARS > FAQs Library > What are Discussion Boards?

Discussion boards, sometimes called "threaded discussion forums," allow students and instructors to share ideas using the Web's hypertext capabilities, i.e. its "hyperlinks." Discussion boards organize messages by subject. Thus, all messages on one topic are grouped together, allowing users to follow connected threads of thought. Boards allow you to read other student responses, post your own threads, or reply to other student messages.  To create a thread, you "post" or submit a message, which includes your name, e-mail address, subject/title and message text. Others may read your message by clicking on it and, if desired, post a followup reply giving their own opinions. Sample Discussion Forum To create a new "train of thought," click "Add New Thread." To respond to an existing message, click on it to read it, then select "Reply." Posted messages are underlined.- Click them to read them. (The underlined link to the left does not work. It is a example of what you might see.) Followup replies appear underneath. There can also be followups to followups! Another followup reply. After composing your new thread or response to another's message, you click the button. At this point, the forum writes and links your message.

05/25/03

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