Create
To add a Forum activity to your design, just drag and drop the activity in the authoring canvas and double click on it to set it up.
Forum Content
The Forum activity provides a range of configuration options that allow you to control how students interact, participate, and engage in discussions. Below is a breakdown of each option and how you can use it effectively.
Title and Description
Title
Defines the name of the forum activity as seen by students. Use a clear and meaningful title to communicate the purpose of the discussion.
Description
Provides instructions and context for the forum. Use this space to set expectations, explain the topic, and outline participation requirements.
Threads
Discussion Threads List
Displays all the threads you have created for the forum. Each thread represents a separate discussion topic.
Adding/edit a thread
Use multiple threads to better structure discussions across different themes or questions.
When adding a thread, set a clear and engaging subject, in the body should contain a well-structured prompt that encourages critical thinking and sparks discussion. Optionally, you can also add files as attachments as supporting materials for the thread.
Tips for maximising the educational value of Forum
Write clear, open-ended prompts that encourage discussion, not just answers
Set expectations for quality contributions, not just quantity
Encourage interaction, not isolated posts, ask students to reply to peers
Model good discussion behaviour early in the activity
Use grading strategically to reward meaningful engagement
Monitor discussions actively, stepping in to guide or deepen thinking
Summarise key insights at the end to reinforce learning
Advanced Settings
Notifications
Notify Students
Sends email notifications to students when new posts are added. Helps keep students engaged and aware of ongoing discussions.
Notify Instructors
Sends notifications to instructors for new posts. Useful for monitoring activity and intervening when needed.
Notify Students When Marks Are Released
Alerts students when their forum contributions have been graded.
End of Activity
Lock When Finished
Prevents students from posting once they have completed the activity. Useful for closing discussions and maintaining consistency and integrity.
Posting Options
Enable Rich Text Editor
Allows students to format their posts (bold, lists, links, images, embedding web content, etc.). Ideal for structured, academic responses.
Allow Attachments
Enables students to upload files with their posts. Useful for sharing evidence, documents, or supporting materials.
Allow Changes in Own Postings
Lets students edit their own messages after posting. Supports reflection and refinement of ideas.
Enable Anonymous Posts
Allows students to post without revealing their identity. Encourages honest participation, especially in sensitive topics.
Thread Control
Allow Students to Create New Discussion Threads
Gives students the ability to initiate their own topics. Encourages ownership and student-led discussions.
Number of Messages per Thread
Limits how many posts can be made within a thread. Helps you control discussion length and keep conversations focused.
Posting Limits
Minimum Number of Characters
Sets the minimum length required for a post. Ensures substantive contributions rather than brief responses.
Maximum Number of Characters per Posting
Caps the length of each post. Helps maintain concise and focused discussions.
Peer Rating and Evaluation
Allow Students to Rate Each Other’s Postings
Create your own criteria for students to rate and evaluate each others' postings.
Enables peer evaluation of contributions. Encourages critical engagement and reflection on quality of responses.
Learning Outcomes
Mapping learning outcomes to activities is very useful for curriculum mapping.
As with all activities in LAMS, you can map your learning outcomes to this activity. If you want to add a learning outcome, just search for the particular outcome or type a new one it will be added to your list of learning outcomes for the future.
You can search Learning Outcomes by code or name.
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