Discussions

Discussions in Canvas are created by your instructor as a place for you to share ideas and collaborate with your classmates in an open forum.

Our goal is for you to be able to recall best practices for interacting with discussion boards, and identify what makes a good post.

 

Let's get started! 

Discussions in canvas

Expectations

Discussions are a great way to interact with your instructor and with other students in your class. When you have a discussion assigned the first thing to note is what your instructor's expectations are. Much like assignments, discussion boards have a due date when you won't be able to submit responses. However, for discussions you may need to complete certain tasks before the assignment closes.

  • Are you expected to submit your first post by a certain date? 
  • Do you need to reply to others by a certain date?

Instructors may have different expectations, so be sure to know what they are. You will probably find this information in the course syllabus or in the directions at the top of the discussion.

Tip: You might want to use your Canvas calendar to keep track of these expectations. Only the final due date will show up on the calendar automatically.

  1. Select a date on the calendar
  2. (or) use the arrows next to the month name to select a new month before selecting a date
  3. Click the add icon (+) in the top right to give your event a title, details, and submit.

steps of creating a calendar event in canvas click on a date and select the add button in the top right

Steps for success

#1. Check the instructions

You'll want to be sure to review the directions your instructor wrote at the top of the discussion. These directions will spell out what kind of response is required to get credit for the discussion assignment and specific expectations for your responses.

instructions for a discussion board at the top of the page

#2. Make your initial post

Click the Reply button to write your initial post. Re-read your post before submitting to be sure that you've fulfilled all the requirements, and that you've expressed your thoughts clearly.

Use the reply button at the bottom of the discussion board to post

Tip: Consider using links to articles or websites supporting your ideas, or use graphics or videos in your response as well. You can do so through the insert tools at the top of the text editor. In most cases you will be creating an external link, or uploading files from from your device.

when replying to a discussion board or a peer response you can upload different links and media using the top toolbar

#3. Respond to your classmates

Click the Reply button under one of your peer's posts to continue the discussion.  Do your best to expand on their thoughts in a way that furthers the discussion.  Don't just say "Good job," or "I agree." Explain why you think it's good, why you do or don't agree.

All discussion posts have a reply button that allows you to respond directly to your peers statements.

#4. Check back in

Be sure to come back occasionally and follow up with the discussion. Read others' responses and respond to those that have responded to you. A discussion is something that happens over time, not a one-time assignment to get done as soon you can.

Tip: Adjust your notification settings to get an alert when someone has posted or replied to you in a discussion.

set canvas notifications for discussions in your notification settings

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