• Communicate in a global manner so that everyone in the class can benefit (i.e.: ask and answer questions related to homework or quizzes).
• Build an online community.
• Build peer to peer relationships.
• Discuss topics relevant to the subject matter.

If your instructor uses this tool, it will be located under the "Discussion / Email" navigation button (refer to Navigating Blackboard for more on this tool).

There is a hierarchical structure to the Discussion Boards. The following image shows a graphical representation of this hierarchy:

If your instructor chooses to use this tool, typically they will post a topical question that you are to answer. The actual act of typing your answer and sending it to the Discussion Boards is referred to as a post. A series of postings with the same subject are referred to as a thread.

The following steps outline the process for locating the Discussion Boards and posting messages.

1. Click on the Discussion / Email navigation button (refer to Navigating Blackboard for more on this tool).
2. Click on the Discussion Boards link.
3. Read the Discussion Board topics that your instructor has posted; these are referred to as"forums".
4. Click on the Forum text link.
   
5. Click on the ?Add New Thread? button.
   
6. Type your subject in the ?Subject? box. Be as specific (but succinct - less than 40 characters) as possible so that others know the topic of your message. For example, if you are submitting a question, type ?Module 2 Question?.
   
7. Type your message into the Message box.
8. Click Submit.
9. Your post will appear in bold with a New icon located to the right. Posts will appear in a threaded format depending on where yours is the initial post or a response to another post.