Introducing the Forum

Forum Activity

It is in Forums that most discussion and debate takes place. The contributions, or postings, made to Forums can be viewed in a variety of formats, and can include attachments. I have subscribed you all to all Forums, including the Important Announcements Forum-- this means that you will receive an email copy of the messages whenever a new one is posted, ensuring you are kept up-to-date with important messages about changes to the course or events that are occurring. I would advise you to enter this Course when you want to read Forum postings (rather than reading them in your email box) as you will then be able to see postings in their correct order/your chosen way. Don't try to reply to email copies of Forum posts - it will only be sent back to your own email address.

When you make a Forum posting, your message is then emailed to you and to everybody else after a small time delay (set to thirty minutes in this Course). This time delay gives you the chance to re-read your message and correct any mistakes/add anything you like before it is sent out.

I would strongly encourage you to refer frequently to, and 'post' your own messages in, the Forums as these will form an increasingly valuable resource as you and your colleagues progress through this Course. By contrast with a face-to-face seminar, this growing record will provide you with easy reference to your own and others' discussions at any point, but perhaps most particularly when you are ready to write your summative essay for the Course.

You can change how you view forum messages. Each user can personalise how he or she views forum messages. Altering your personal forum view does not affect how other users will see messages. You can do this by using the dropdown box in the forums area to choose the display format Note: You need to be in a Forum discussion to get this option:
(Note: This is a screen shot image, for example use only).

You should decide how you wish to view your forum postings when you go into a particular forum. Choosing, for example, to view them "display replies flat, with oldest first" will allow you to see postings and replies in their original order.


This is an example of a Forum where each participant can start only one discussion but is free to respond to any existing discussions.

Trying out Forum

Give the Forum a try by clicking 'Add a new discussion topic...' below to start a discussion. Type a brief message about your expectations for this Course and click 'save changes'. Then reply to any other topics here.