Posting and replying to Minerva Discussions - Staff Guide

In Discussions, threads grow as users respond to the initial and subsequent posts. Replies build on one another to construct a conversation.

Read - Posting and replying to Minerva Discussions

See Respond to Discussions, on Blackboard's website for step-by-step written guidance on posting, replying and deleting threads.

Establishing Discussion etiquette

To help students understand your expectations, it is recommended that you establish discussion etiquette. You can model proper online interaction and reinforce appropriate behaviour. Some examples are provided below:

• Use descriptive subject lines to make threads easy to follow and scan.
• Keep posts short and use plain language. Your audience is reading onscreen and may have several messages to read.
• Support your statements with evidence when you agree or disagree with others.
• Use professional language, including proper grammar, in academic-related posts. No slang, emoticons, or chat acronyms allowed.
• Use attachments or links to websites for long, detailed information.
• Stay on topic. If you want to introduce a new tangent, find a suitable forum or start a new thread if allowed.
• Be respectful of other people's opinions and remember the golden rule—to treat others as you want to be treated.

For graded forums and threads, tell students specifically what you expect both in terms of quantity and quality of posts. You can even share some exemplary posts. You can also use rubrics to help students understand your objectives.