Discussion Boards

Discussion boards are part of almost every Blackboard class taught online. They are fairly straightforward but there are rules and requirements for students. This page will explain how they work 

For information and examples of how I grade discussion boards see discussion boards grading page. 

Just like everything else provided on this website, I am providing you with how I grade discussion boards and what I require in my classes. Other instructors will have different requirements and styles. That is okay, and that diversity of teaching styles is good. 

Why are discussion boards in online classes and not face-to-face classes?

I don't require discussion boards as part of the grade in face-to-face classes because students come to class, and we have discussions in class.  I also require assignments in online classes and not in my face-to-face classes. My online and face-to-face classes are based on a 1,000-point scale. However, there are more individual assignments in the online course, meaning tests and writing projects are valued differently in the two formats.

For my classes and most criminal justices course taught at CTC, you will find the breakdown of the course assignments and exams on the "syllabus page 2" link on the left side of the Blackboard page. Once on the "Syllabus Page 2" page, you can scroll down and find the points breakdown, due dates, and overall class schedule.