The use of discussion forums is normative in online courses. However, these must not be considered as peer learning-only types of assignments. Discussion forums require the input of students but also necessitate the participation of the faculty member to guide the conversations and encourage students to engage with one another within the given topic.
When considering the use of a discussion forum, clearly explain your expectations for engagement. If you have a preferred word count, the number of posts, or days on which everything should be posted, be sure to explain this clearly in the directions in your course syllabus and in the weekly assignment folder.
eLearning features parameters for initial posting due dates, secondary posting dates, and word count in order to assist in assigning grades.
Before creating a discussion board assignment, it is important to first create the topic in the Community Forum or the Course Forum. By default, the template for courses includes these two forums with two topics created inside the Community Forum to get you started. You'll most likely want to add your topics in the Course Forum with a Topic Name that is easy for you to identify when creating the assignment in the respective unit.
Once the topic is created in the forum of your choosing, visit the Coursework area to Add and Assignment and select the Forum format.
You will then name the assignment before confirming the unit and type are consistent with what is in line with your syllabus and prescribed methodology. Be sure to set a primary post due date and secondary date for all replies. You may also specify settings for whether a student is required to post before they can read other posts or if there are word count requirements. The word count will be provided in the grading area and you will not be prompted to assign a grade if that threshold is not met.