Set-up a discussion board

Need to cancel class due to inclement weather or a conference? Teaching an online class? Use Discussion Boards to still give students the opportunity to participate in class.

Watch video below or follow the steps under the video.

1. Once in your course, click Discussion Board on the left side of the screen.

Once in your course, click Discussion Board on the left side of the screen.

2. Click Create Forum.

Click Create Forum.

3. In the Name field, type the name of this Forum.

In the Name field, type the name of this Forum.

4. In the Description section, type in the specific question or questions you have for the students.

In the Description section, type in the specific question or questions you have for the students.

5. In the Forum Availability section, leave the Date and Time Restriction fields blank if you'd like the discussion to be available to students immediately and open indefinitely.

In the Forum Availability section, leave the Date and Time Restriction fields blank if you'd like the discussion to be available to students immediately and open indefinitely.

6. To set a date which the discussion forum will be open, click on Display After and select a date and time.

To set a date which the discussion forum will be open, click on Display After and select a date and time.

7. To set a date which the discussion forum will no longer be available, click on Display Until and select a date and time.

To set a date which the discussion forum will no longer be available, click on Display Until and select a date and time.

8. To allow students to edit their posts (in case they make a typing/spelling mistake), in the Forum Settings section, click Allow Author to Edit Own Published Post.

To allow students to edit their posts (in case they make a typing/spelling mistake), in the Forum Settings section, click Allow Author to Edit Own Published Post.

9. To make this a graded assignment, click on the button next to Grade Discussion Forum and enter the number of Points Possible for the assignment.

To make this a graded assignment, click on the button next to Grade Discussion Forum and enter the number of Points Possible for the assignment.

10. Select the minimum number of posts a student must make before the "needs grading" icon appears in the Grade Center.

Select the minimum number of posts a student must make before the "needs grading" icon appears in the Grade Center.

11. Click Submit.

Click Submit.