Discussions

=Student FAQ - Discussions and Chat =

I just posted to a discussion question. How long will it take until it is graded?
Discussions for your course are graded by the course's grading staff (Professor or TA's). Generally, discussions are not graded until after availability time period is over.

Why can’t I see my discussion grade in the My Grades tool?
If you can't see a grade in your My Grades area, it is possible that your instructor has not yet released the grades. Contact your instructor if you still have questions.

What is the difference between a discussion thread, blog, and journal?

 * Three types of topics are available through the discussion tool:**
 * Threaded Discussions - The term "//threaded//" indicates a message is displayed with all of its related replies. In online instruction, a threaded discussion gives you the opportunity to have a discussion with your instructor and the other students in the class electronically.
 * Blogs - A **blog** allows the students in a class to post a chronological series of entries on a particular topic. Students may also add comments to any of the blog entries.
 * Journals - A **journal** gives each student a place to write and reflect. Journals are typically kept private between the student and the instructor, but can also be setup to be shared with the class.

**Why can't I access the chat tool from home or work?**
This problem can be linked to firewall settings and might be a problem due to your security settings. (e.g. Settings in specialist software - such as Zone Alarm, Norton Antivirus, etc - or settings in your browser). This is because the Blackboard Chat Tool uses a nonstandard port, 2304, and is blocked by Firewalls. The Solution requires Opening the Chat Tool Port by you (or your Network Administrator) to adjust your Network configuration and /or individual PC settings.

How can I add a video file to a discussion message?
> The attached file will appear just below the Add Attachments button.
 * 1) Go to **[|http://learn.nmsu.edu]** and log in using your **NMSU Username** and **Password**.
 * 2) Click on the **course name**.
 * 3) Click on the **Discussions Tool**.
 * 4) Click on a **topic**.
 * 5) Click the **Create Message** button.
 * 6) Enter a **Subject**.
 * 7) Enter a **Message**.
 * 8) Click the **Add Attachments** button.
 * 9) At the Get Files window, click the **My Computer** icon.
 * 10) Locate the video file on your computer and click **Open**.
 * 1) Click the **Post** button to post your discussion message.