--- title: Discussion Board slug: discussion-board createdAt: 2024-11-28T15:37:19.554Z --- The Discussion Board in the LMS allows students and instructors to engage with each other in an interactive space. It supports collaborative learning, promotes participation, and includes tools like **message ratings**, **tags**, **discussion grading**, and a **student summary table** for improved tracking. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/WhBP8Wbdb4f2OGOy9fER2_image.png) ## Enabling the Discussion Board When you enable the Discussion Board in your course, a new tab called *Discussion* will appear, allowing students and instructors to interact through posts and replies. To enable the Discussion Board, navigate to **LMS / Discussion**. Then check the box for **Discussion Enabled**. Once enabled, a **Discussion** tab will appear in the course. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/pF9mLku5ar2BICS8aJsZB_screen-shot-2025-01-07-at-115245-am.png) You can also allow students to create their own topics. If this is enabled, we recommend setting a **User Policy** to establish clear expectations and guidelines. ## Navigating the Discussion Board Once enabled, the Discussion Board appears as a tab within the course. From here, students and instructors can view and participate in discussions through posts, replies, and ratings (if enabled). Topics are listed in chronological order, with new or unread messages highlighted in orange for easy scanning. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/fiPNjcsA8DKXEqhRiin5W_image.png) Clicking on a topic opens the full thread, starting with the original post followed by all replies. Each message appears in its own box, with action icons underneath. ### Replying to Topics and Posts To respond, Students or Instructors click the **curved arrow reply icon** under the post they want to reply to. This opens a rich text editor where users can write and format their message, add links or images, and contribute to the discussion. Students can only edit or delete their own posts, while instructors have full control to manage all messages. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/27-JtrejLlVGNrIYDAnEb_image.png) ### Student Participation and Message Ratings If message ratings are enabled for a discussion topic, students can interact by rating each other’s posts. There are two rating types instructors can choose from: - **Like / Not Like** – Students can give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to a peer’s post. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/WxTLHE6UcLkR--Y7QR6aw_image.png) - **Out of 5** – Students can rate a peer’s post using a 5-star scale. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/cSAccIjSC8ccHkClJTXWZ_image.png) The rating type appears in the top-right corner of each topic. To give a rating, students can click directly on the thumbs up/down icons or star rating. Clicking again removes the rating if they change their mind. Students **cannot** rate their own posts, rate instructor posts, or be rated by instructors. Ratings are anonymous to students and meant to encourage peer feedback. Students can see how their own posts were rated—displayed as the number of ratings and average rating—but when rating others, they only see the rating they personally gave. Message ratings are optional. If no rating type is selected when creating the topic, the discussion functions as a standard message board. ### Subscribing to Discussion Topics Students and instructors can subscribe to individual discussion topics to stay informed about new activity. To subscribe, users click the **Subscribe** button located at the top-right corner of a topic. Clicking the same button again will unsubscribe them. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/1nGqZlnIu9d6PkwWZ54jY_image.png) Subscription status is displayed on the topic, along with a count of how many times it has been viewed. Once subscribed, they’ll receive an **email notification** every time a new message is posted in that topic. Each email includes: - The **course name** - The **topic title** - The **new message content** - A direct **unsubscribe link** so they can opt out at any time ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/kUMqDPyqKxQu-T8syX0LZ_image.png) When a message is posted to a topic with active subscribers, ampEducator automatically creates and completes a **User Job** titled *Courses / Discussion Message Notifications*. This background job handles sending the email notifications. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/kaSdCBSmo8c7A7ZKfPQgX_image.png) **Note: ***Subscriptions are managed by each user. Admins do not assign or control who is subscribed.* ### Collapsing Discussion Topics To make navigation easier, all discussion topics in the LMS are **collapsible**. This works similarly to collapsing course content—helping instructors and students stay focused and reduce clutter on the page. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/B37DVZFDfVVNcvk0DedeO_image.png) Each topic now displays with a collapse/expand arrow beside the title. Clicking this arrow will hide or reveal the full list of replies under that topic. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/yT3ybPnVyePgPZwEteVNA_image.png) This feature is especially helpful when there are multiple active discussions running at once, as it allows users to quickly scan the list of topics and focus only on the ones they’re participating in. ## Creating Discussion Topic Tags Tags allow students and instructors to categorize discussion board topics, making it easier to search and filter through discussions. This feature is useful for organizing topics by themes, course content, or any other relevant categories, helping participants quickly find discussions of interest. To create new discussion board tags, navigate to** LMS /** **Discussion **in your course. Then, click on the **New Tag** button. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/c8stOS9rVBSt5aobmbp7Z_image.png) Name the tag in the text field and click **Add.** ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/FDiKKSmN6lNeF-mjVkifs_image.png) Tags can be applied to any topic and used later to filter discussions by category. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/-ibVtEmAPa882kBRng_M8_image.png) ## Creating New Discussion Board Topics Creating new topics in the Discussion Board allows students and instructors to start conversations, ask questions, and share ideas. This feature enhances collaboration and encourages active participation in the course. Note that students may or may not be permitted to create new topics, depending on the course settings. To create a new discussion topic, click the **New** button next to the *Topics* menu title. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/fgl_2y9bdIu2TAj71PAh7_image.png) This will open the **New Discussion Topic** modal, where you can enter the following details: ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/XloDTYALPzZQkVZ2tPBP0_image.png) - **Tag** – Choose a tag to help organize or categorize the topic. Tags can also be used for filtering later. - **Topic Title** – Add a clear, descriptive title. - **Topic** – Use the rich text editor to write your discussion prompt or instructions. You can format text, add links, and insert images as needed. - **Message Rating** – Choose how students can rate each other’s posts: - **None** – No ratings allowed. - **Like / Not Like** – Students can give thumbs-up or thumbs-down. - **Out of 5** – Students can rate each post on a 5-star scale. You can also set **start and end dates** for the rating period if desired. When you're ready, click **Submit** to post the topic. ## Instructor Ratings View Instructors can view detailed rating insights for any student post. This makes it easy to monitor engagement, identify top contributors, and support grading based on peer feedback. To access insights for a specific post, click the **magnifying glass icon** next to the post. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/FXAaGL47_tmN6gjHVzaSG_image.png) This opens a detailed breakdown showing: - **Number of Ratings Received** – How many students rated the post. - **Average Rating** – The overall average based on all ratings (shown as a number or star graphic, depending on the rating type). - **Rating Breakdown Chart** – A visual chart showing the distribution of ratings (e.g., how many 5-star vs. 1-star ratings). - **List of Raters** – A full list of students who rated the post and the rating each one gave. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/jZnNE30LY3M4mmp_rAE6w_image.png) These insights are only visible to instructors and are especially helpful when using **auto-grade based on peer ratings**. They also allow instructors to spot trends—such as students consistently giving low or high ratings—or identify posts that may need follow-up or moderation. ## Discussion Summary Table The **Discussion Summary Table** provides a quick, high-level view of student participation in the Discussion Board. It’s especially useful for instructors who want to track overall engagement across the course without clicking into individual topics or grades. This table is for visibility only—it doesn’t affect grading, but it can help you identify students who may need a nudge or recognition for their contributions. To access it, go to **LMS / Discussion** and scroll to the **Student Summary** section. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/ucl_UVMwlyHuS_eNVfsDg_image.png) The table includes key participation metrics for each student, such as: - Number of messages posted - Number of replies - Ratings given and received - Last activity date This summary updates automatically once per day. If you’ve made recent changes or want to see the most current data, you can manually refresh it by clicking the **Recalculate Summaries** option. ## Grading Discussion Participation You can now create grades directly tied to student participation in the Discussion Board. This makes it easier to measure and assess engagement in a consistent and meaningful way. ### Adding a Discussion Based Grade To add a discussion-based grade, go to the the **Details / Grading** section of your course and click **New Course Grade**. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/7DXQU5M0dfvhLT8NQltAd_image.png) In the **Grade Link Type** dropdown, select **Discussion**. Once selected, a new set of fields will appear, specific to grading student discussion activity. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/n3C4VdJz99hkQm92tT6xx_image.png) At the top of the grading modal, you’ll also find brief explanations beside many fields to help clarify what each setting controls. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/I4uImtEL1RGWGZG_CB2Dl_image.png) Start by setting the general grading information, such as: - **Grade Group** - **Grade Type** - **Weight** - **Passing Percentage** - Whether multiple entries are allowed - Whether the grade is published and when ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/I4gGoIcjX7QVGEvfBzxkU_image.png) Next, you can customize the **Discussion-specific requirements**, including: - **Due Date** – Optional deadline for student participation. - **Restrict to Topic** – Grade only applies to a specific discussion topic. - **With Create Topics** – Require students to create at least one topic. - **Number of Messages** – Set how many posts a student must submit. - **With Min Word Count** – Only count messages that meet a minimum word count. - **With Give Ratings** – Require students to rate a minimum number of peer posts. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/SPG_LELdgxHTgSl8IKT5A_image.png) At the bottom of the modal, you’ll find the **Auto Assign Grade** option. This controls how the grade is calculated: - **None / Manual** – You assign grades manually. - **Complete / Incomplete** – Grade is marked based on whether all requirements are met. - **Complete Progress** – Grade is calculated based on the percentage of requirements completed. - **By Student Ratings** – Grade is based on the average rating received from peers. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/YUJGVV65hZU3E2S9_Rei7_image.png) Click **Add** and your new discussion grade will appear within your **Grading Schema**. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/Jd_0AMQr6f9tFpwvZlFL2_image.png) ### Managing and Reviewing Discussion Grades Once your discussion-linked grade is set up, you can monitor and manage student progress from two places: the **Discussion Grades** section of your course and the **Gradebook**. Each view offers access to the same details but is designed for different workflows. ### Discussion Grades Section Go to **LMS / Discussion **and scroll down to** Discussion Grades**. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/lAd-ijLGkkR-6sbBEPkC5_image.png) Click the **+ icon** next to the grade to expand and view student progress at a glance. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/bvuG8KAetLu0-M4R3roPz_image.png) Click the **Edit Discussion Grade** icon beside a student to open full details. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/R_7TxFfyvr89_37pSGasn_image.png) From this view, you can see a complete breakdown of the student’s participation, including how many posts they made, how many met the grading criteria, whether minimum word counts were achieved, and how many ratings they gave and received. You’ll also see their average rating (if applicable), their progress toward completion, and their current grade—whether it was auto-assigned or manually entered. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/fv_wYQwfW1dUCeNqohxwq_image.png) You can also **override the grade manually**, or leave comments. At the bottom of the student’s grading window, you can also review each individual post that counted toward the grade. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/l14aIZac3wThEtu0caMwt_image.png) ### Gradebook Section The same discussion grade will also appear in the course **Gradebook**, alongside all other course assessments. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/dAaYdF15xm67t_NLKoQQv/C5QoNJKV48KDxD5H5-Y07_image.png) From here, you can: - Track discussion participation in the context of other grades - Click the **Edit Discussion Grade** icon next to a student to open the same detailed modal Whether you're in the Gradebook or the LMS tab, you’ll have access to the same detailed student participation data, making it easy to manage discussions as part of your overall grading strategy. ### Video Walkthrough: Course Discussion Grades ::Iframely{originalUrl="https://scribehow.com/embed/Course_Discussion_Grades__qCH9iUB9TcGuSjeFmr95dw?as=video" embedUrl="https://scribehow.com/embed/Course_Discussion_Grades__qCH9iUB9TcGuSjeFmr95dw?as=video" title="Scribe | Embed Course_Discussion_Grades__qCH9iUB9TcGuSjeFmr95dw" html="
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