ICOLLEGE DISCUSSIONS

What is the Discussion tool?

The Discussion tool is part of the iCollege suite. It provides a space for students to interact with one another and reflect upon the course content and activities. Depending upon settings, discussions can be instructor-initiated or student-initiated, and topics can be graded for content, participation or left ungraded.

How to Access Discussions:

The iCollege Discussion tool is available in all iCollege courses at GSU as a part of the learning management system. Discussions are located under the “Assessments” drop down menu or via the Course Admininistration page. Links to individual discussion topics can be added to course module to provide easier access for the students to access these discussion topics in context.

A screenshot of discussions in iCollege.

Key Features:

Release dates and conditions
Customizable criteria for posting
User friendly HTML editor
Embed external links, images and videos
Grade book integration
Rubrics integration
Whole class or group threads
Anonymous posting

See What Discussions Can Do:

As an ice breaker, have the students introduce themselves to the rest of the class at the beginning of the semester.
Create a discussion topic for the students to ask questions regarding course materials, assignments, and deadlines, and save time by not answering the same question multiple times by email.
Engage the students in meaningful interactive dialogue about the concepts presented in the course.
Encourage students to reflect on course content and share their reflections with their peers.
Elicit feedback from the students regarding the course content, layout, pace, etc.
Set up anonymous discussion topics to make the students feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues.
Create group-restricted discussion topics to provide a space for students working on group projects to privately collaborate with their group members.
Create discussion topics for the students to submit their work and get feedback from their peers.
Post videos, images or infographics for student reflection.
Motivate students to read material prior to class by asking questions in a graded discussion.

FAQs

Do I need to create a new forum for each topic?

No. While a discussion topic must reside in a forum, there is no need to have multiple forums unless necessary. One forum can contain all the topics in the course.

Can I get email notifications whenever students post to a discussion?

Yes. You can email notifications about discussion activity if you check the option to subscribe to a specific thread.

Can I use a rubric to grade a discussion topic?

Yes. First, the rubric will have to be created in the Rubrics tool, and then associated with the discussion topic.

Can discussion topics be copied from one iCollege course to another?

Yes. Just like everything else in iCollege, except that no student data will be copied. Blank topics will be copied without students' posts.

Can I enable Turn It In to detect plagiarism in a discussion?

No. This option is currently not available in the Discussion tool. It’s only available in the Assignment tool so far.

Can I view statistics on discussion participation in my course?

Yes. You can view stats by student or by forums and topics. You can also download stats to a spreadsheet.

Get Support

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CETLOE Support

Workshops and Webinars
Throughout the year, CETLOE offers instructor workshops on iCollege Discussions and other learning tools. Please check the workshop schedule for instructor workshops.

If you’d like to request a custom workshop for your class on using the Discussion tool, please fill out the Custom Workshop Set-up form.

Learning Technologists

Georgia State Faculty can request help from our CETLOE Learning Technologists for assistance with any of the GSU Supported Digital Learning Tools.

For the fastest response to your questions, please email [email protected] or call 404-413-HELP to submit a help ticket.

By submitting a help ticket, you can be sure that your questions are directed to the appropriate team members, ensuring that you get the help you need, when you need it.

For help using the Discussion tool to support your teaching, request a digital teaching tool consultation through the faculty help request.

Vendor Support Resources

Support for Students

The Discussion tool also offers guides for student users.

Video: Create a Discussion Post | Learner

If you’d like to request a custom workshop for your students on using FeedbackFruits Peer Review tool, please fill out the Custom Workshop Set-up form.