Discussion Boards
Every course of mine runs the same set of ongoing boards. They stay open all term rather than closing at the end of a week, and each one exists for a different kind of post. Putting a question on the wrong board is the most common reason it goes unanswered - a question in a journal reads as reflection, not as a request for help.
Your LMS names these boards with its own module codes, and the codes differ between courses. Match them by what they are for, described below, rather than by the number in front of the title.
Class Conversation - Questions Needing an Answer
The place for questions about class material, assignments, and tools - anything you want an actual answer to. This is the board the instructor and TAs watch, and the one where a reply is guaranteed.
- Ask questions about assignments, tools, or course material.
- Answer classmates when you know something - helping counts.
- Search the board first; your question may already be answered.
- Use a clear title so others with the same question can find it.
Post one question per thread. A thread that asks three things gets one answer, and usually to the easiest of the three.
Social and Miscellaneous
Got a joke? Want to talk about the weather? Gripe about something without necessarily getting an answer? Suggest a movie, concert, or activity? Do that here.
- Nobody is watching this board for questions, and it isn't required reading - class questions that need quick attention belong on the Class Conversation board instead.
- You still earn points for posting here. Post at least once for full score.
Anonymous Conversation
A fully anonymous board - nobody, including me and the TAs, can see who posted. No points attach to it.
- Questions you'd rather not put your name on - "am I the only one lost here?", honest feedback about the course, anything you'd hesitate to ask out loud.
- The same conduct rules apply. Anonymity is for candor, not for unkindness.
- Need a guaranteed reply? Use the Class Conversation board instead. Because this one is anonymous, the LMS hides its posts from the tools that track what still needs an answer, so replies here are best-effort when we happen to browse it.
Grading and Regrading Issues
For misunderstandings, or regrades you think we've missed. The LMS is poor at telling us when something needs a second look, which matters in a course where you revise and resubmit.
Before you post here:
- Reply to the existing feedback first - usually on the discussion itself - with "I've fixed this," or a list of what you changed. This board is for when that doesn't work.
- No feedback yet means we haven't graded it yet. Don't post about that, unless you think we missed an entire assignment for the whole class.
When you do post, include:
- The name of the assignment
- A link directly to your submission
- Any explanation you care to include
It may turn out you never need this board at all. That's fine.
Where the Other Ongoing Work Is
Journals and Work Logs have their own formats and their own pages, and Bonus Participation is where helping the class earns points. The FAQ explains why each of these exists.