Test of Discussions Tool

If you experience any technical difficulties with the following exercise, your first step should be to re-boot your computer and try again. If you are still unsuccessful, check the configuration of the Java Runtime Environment on your computer by following the procedures outlined in the optional DO ME FIRST!! section of the course. (Note: If you have successfully completed the test of the Assignment Submission tool, it is unlikely that you will have technical difficulties with the Discussions Tool.)

In this section, you will learn how to use the Vista 4 Discussions Tool. The Discussions Tool is used both for assignments and general class discussions, so your ability to post comments and questions to Discussion Topics is critical to your academic success in the course.

While the posting procedure is fairly straight forward, a tutorial has been developed to walk you through the process. Please review the tutorial as many times as necessary to become familiar with the process, then use the Discussions Tool to make a test posting.

If you are using two different computers, or if you need to re-test your computer after modifying its JRE configuration, you can make repeated test posts to the Discussion Tool Test topic. A successful test posting will confirm both that you understand the posting procedure and that your computer is properly configured for the Vista 4 e-learning environment.

After you have made a successful test posting, use the Discussions Tool to post the required Personal Introduction posting that will introduce you to your classmates and the Instructor.

The images used to illustrate the tutorial which follows are captured from computers that use the Windows XP operating system. Some of the images you see as you work through the Assignment Submission process may be different if you are using the Windows Vista operating system or a Macintosh computer.

Please take note that this Discussions Tool Test exercise has opened in a separate browser window from the primary BlackBoard Vista window. This enables you to review the tutorial in this window and, at the same time, carry out the Discussions Tool Test procedure in the primary BalckBoard Vista window

Please proceed to complete the Discussion Board Posting Tutorial.

If you need additional assistance, please contact Technical Support.

Please note: the ability of Technical Support Services to assist learners who have not installed the required or recommended software is very limited.

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