The Discussion Board in Blackboard allows instructors and students to interact with each other within a Blackboard Course.
Benefits for Faculty
A Discussion Board allows instructors to interact with students, and engage students in active learning activities or learning by doing (QM 5.2 & 6.2). Examples include building consensus on a single topic, student debate, peer review, role play, small group activities, first week introductions, and more.
There are two types of discussion boards in Blackboard: course discussion boards and group discussion boards. Discussion boards are organized into forums (similar to a folder), and then into threads (threaded conversation). In addition to its use as a communication tool, discussion board posts can also be graded within Blackboard, allowing the tool to be used for assessment.
Benefits for Students
A Discussion Board encourages student-student and student-instructor interaction and helps students to actively engage in the learning process (QM 5.2 & 6.2).
When and How
This tool can be used as part of the requirements for first week introductions in an online or blended course (QM 1.9). Many faculty also use this tool throughout the course as a way to build community and help learners negotiate meaning as they apply new concepts from week to week. Contact your instructional designer for guidance.