Creating a Message in Discussion Topics

Back to Discussion Menu

  1. To create a new message click Discussions on course tools menu.
  2. Select the topic you wish to post a message.
  3. Click the Create Message button

    4. Creating discussion topic messages

  4. The Create Message pop-up window will appear. Type a subject line and message. Messages can be formatted by enabling the HTML Creator. To use the HTML Creator, click the HTML Creator button in upper right corner. Once clicked a small Java program with a Word like interface will load in the message box. If HTML Creator does not load correctly, check browser settings. Go to Blackboard Browser Tune-up page for troubleshooting tips.

    5. HTML Creator

  5. Once the message is created, there are four options:
    • Post: Click post to the post the message to the discussion topic.
    • Preview: Click to preview your message. The message will display in another window. There will be options for posting, editing, and printing the message. Select the desired option for the window to close.
    • Cancel: Click to cancel creating the message.
    • Save as Draft: Click to save a message but not post it.
  6. Attachments can be added to messages by clicking the Add Attachments button under the message.
  7. The Get Files window will display. Click My Computer to locate a file on your local drive(s). The Open dialog box will appear. Select the file and click Open.

    8. Get File Window

  8. As the file is uploading a progress bar will display until the file is uploaded. Once uploaded, the attached file will display under the Add Attachments button.
  9. Click Post when finished.
  10. The Message window will disappear and the screen for the discussion will appear with a message at the top stating the "Your message was posted.".

    11. Message posted screen

Editing Messages

Messages can be edited after they have been posted.

  1. To edit a message select the message you wish to edit.
  2. In the Message window click Edit Message.
  3. The message will display and can be edited. Click Post when done.

    4. Editing Messages