When you access the Discussions Tool via the link in the Course Tools panel,
the following screen appears.
In the above image there are no messages in the "Default Topic" and 22 new message in the "General Discussion" topic. To read a new message, click on the topic name which will give you the following screen.
NOTE: A discussion topic or category may be available directly from other places, depending on the design of the course, such as links in Course Content windows. In those cases, you will see only the topic or category intended.
To Compose a Message on a New Subject: click on the "Create Message" button, type your subject; type your message, and click "Post". Note: you can attach files to discussion messages.
To Read an individual Message: click on the message's subject link.
To Read all of a Thread's Messages: click on the circled plus icon beside the thread's title .
To Reply to a Message: while viewing the message, click "Reply", type your message, and click "Post."
Hiding Messages. The "All" mode displays all messages, whether or not previously read. Messages already read can be hidden by clicking on the "Unread" button. (These are to the right of the Threaded/Unthreaded buttons at the top.)
Deleting Messages. Students cannot delete messages. Only the instructor can do so.
Editing Messages. The instructor has the option to not allow editing of messages after posting, otherwise you can go back into your message, click on the "Edit Message" button and then change your message. You may not edit anyone else's messages.
To Attach a File to a Message: When replying to a message or composing a message on a new subject, you can upload a file from your computer and attach it to the message as follows:
Click the "Add Attachments" button. A "Content Browser" window appears containing two areas to choose from where you might find your file. If you have already uploaded the file into the "My Files" area, select your file from there, otherwise, click on "My Computer" to get a list of files on your computer. Navigate to the folder containing the desired file. Click the Open button, and and after a moment of uploading, the file name appears at the bottom of your message. If you wish to remove that attachment, click on the red arrow icon at the right of the file name. Additional attachments can by added at this point.
(Macintosh users need to include the file extension in file names: .htm or .html for HTML documents, .doc for Microsoft Word documents, .ppt for PowerPoint documents, .xls for Excel documents, .pdf for Acrobat pdf documents, .gif for GIF graphics, and .jpg for JPEG graphics)
Note: Problems can occur if file names contain spaces or certain special characters. Examples of acceptable file names: my_resume.htm, cute_photo.jpg, termpaper1.doc .
When the mesesage is completed and attachment(s) placed, click Post.
To View or Download Attachments: Click on attachment link at the bottom of the message (after opening the message). Your browser will attempt to open the document (in a new window). You must have the appropriate application on your computer in order to open a downloaded document.
Graded Discussions - Instructors can assign grades to discussion topics. If so, you should see a column in your "My Grades" area for the course, corresponding to the discussion topic.
January 30, 2007 -JFB