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DISCUSSION
BOARD TERMINOLOGY
If one individual
posts a question, and three others post answers to that question, these
four "posts" comprise what is known as a "thread" of conversation. The
phrase, "threaded disucssion board" is common, referring to threads
of conversation, each focused on a particular topic (e.g., "How do I
fix a running toilet?"). The sample below illustrates two threads of
discussion in the CourseInfo discussion board. The first thread was
started by Peggy Baxter, with one response by Ronald Simmons. The second
thread is a different topic. It was started by Dorothy Beal with two
responses.
Discussion
boards, discussion forums, bulletin boards, and message boards typically
refer to the same type of system. Discussion boards should not be confused
with live chats, however. Live chats provide for synchronous communication
(all at the same time), whereas discussion boards provide for asynchronous
communication (discussion over time).
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