Once in your classroom, click on the “Discussion Boards” link on the left hand side under the heading “Course Interaction.”
You will see the discussion boards your teacher has made available to you under the “Topic” column. You will also see the number of unread messages you have. On the right of the screen you will see a search dialogue box that allows you to search discussion boards for something you might have read before.
Once you click on a particular topic, you will be taken to the various threads in that topic. In that view, you will see not only the various topic threads but also the unread responses in that threat. You will also see the main author for each thread.
If your teacher has given you the permission, you might create a new thread in this discussion forum. However, before you create a new thread, make sure you have read the other threads in the discussion forum so that you do not duplicate a topic.
If you choose to create a thread, a composition box will appear. Make sure to give your thread a topic and then write your comment and attach a file if necessary. Please remember to be clear and thoughtful, and to stay on topic. If you have any doubts, just email your teacher! Once you are done, click “Submit.”
If you click on a particular thread, you can read and respond to what your teacher and classmates have written in that forum. Click on the reply button on the thread or on any particular comment to reply. Note: in order to see the reply button on a comment, you must hover your mouse over that comment. (You may also see other options, like email, depending on what your teacher has enabled in the course permissions.)
Once you click on reply, a composition box will appear. Here you may write your comment, as well as attach a file. Remember, your comment should add something of substance to conversation to keep it going. Be positive. Do not treat a comment thread like a text-message discussion you might have with a friend (so avoid “hahaha” or “LOL” or one-emoji replies). Keep the conversation moving! When your reply is ready, click “Submit” to post.