Ed Discussion

ed discussion logo Ed Discussion is an interactive question and answer discussion board specifically tailored for teaching and learning purposes. It fosters collaborative interaction among students and instructors, replicating face-to-face group discussions in an online environment. This platform aims to encourage in-depth questioning, answering, and subsequent discussions, elevating the depth and clarity of learning materials.

Contextual Use: Ed Discussion serves as a space where both students and instructors can pose questions, provide answers, and generate follow-up inquiries, enhancing the learning experience. Instructors can endorse or reply to student answers, encouraging collaborative learning and engagement.

How to access:

  • Access via Blackboard: Simply locate the link within your Blackboard Course that directs you to the relevant discussion board for Ed Discussion.
  • Direct Access: Visit Ed Discussion, select “United Kingdom,” enter your full Imperial College email address (e.g., jo.bloggs15@imperial.ac.uk), and sign in using your standard Imperial username and password.

 

Key Features and Support

  • Discussion Organisation: Posts can be categorised as Read, Unread, Starred, Answered, or Unanswered, offering effective post management and filtering options.
  • Runnable Code Snippets: Users can insert runnable programming code snippets, enhancing discussions related to coding and technical subjects.
  • Private Threads: Instructors have the option to create private threads accessible only to instructors, allowing for confidential discussions.
  • Anonymous Posts: Enables anonymous posting, fostering opportunities for peer and instructor feedback without attribution.
  • Post Templates: Instructors can create templates outlining expected content structures for student posts, aiding in uniformity and clarity.
  • Markdown Support: Allows formatting of posts using Markdown for better readability and presentation.
  • Notifications: Integrated notifications permit users to send class-wide announcements or receive alerts for specific post responses, fostering timely communication.
  • Saved Replies: Frequently used replies can be saved and reused, streamlining recurring feedback on student posts.

Need Assistance? If you encounter technical issues or require support using Ed Discussion,  please don’t hesitate to raise a ticket for prompt support.

FAQs

How do I access Ed Discussion through Blackboard?

Locate the link provided within your Blackboard Course that directs you to the relevant Ed Discussion board.

Can I post anonymously on Ed Discussion?

Yes, Ed Discussion supports anonymous posting, enabling anonymous contributions and feedback.

How can I format my posts on Ed Discussion?

You can use Markdown syntax to format your posts for better readability and presentation.