.. _Taking Part in Discussions:

############################
Taking Part in Discussions
############################

This topic explains how to create, edit, and manage your contributions in course discussions.  
You can start a new post, respond to others, or help moderate discussions by reporting issues.

.. contents::
   :local:
   :depth: 1


.. _Creating a post:

*************************
Creating a post
*************************

.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_creating_post.png
   :alt: Screenshot of form to create a post, on the Discussions page and alongside course content.
   :width: 800
   :align: center

   Form to create a discussion post on the Discussions page and in a course unit. By default, you are following
   the posts that you author.

A post starts a new conversation.

1. Choose the right type before you post:

   - **Question:** when you need an answer or clarification.  
   - **Discussion:** when you want to share an idea or start a conversation.

2. Select a topic that fits your post so others can find it easily.

3. Add a short, clear title that describes what your post is about.

4. Write your description. Use the toolbar to format text or insert images if needed.

5. Click *Show preview* (bottom right corner) to check your post before submitting.

6. If anonymous posting is enabled, you will see a *Post anonymously to peers* checkbox.
   When selected, your post appears anonymous to peers, but your identity remains visible to course staff and moderators.
   Some courses do not allow anonymous posting.

7. Click *Submit* to publish your post. You can edit it later if needed.


.. Tip::
   You can subscribe to notifications for new discussions or new question posts from the Preference Center.  
   See :ref:`Staying Updated with Notifications`.


.. _Responding and commenting:

*************************
Responding and commenting
*************************

.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_response_comment.png
   :alt: Screenshot of responses and comments on a discussion thread, on Discussions page and in sidebar.
   :width: 800
   :align: center

   Option to create responses on a discussion thread can be found in actions menu on mouse hover or
   at the bottom of the thread. Option to create comments can only be found in actions menu.


You can add to an existing conversation by writing a response or a comment.

- A **response** adds your full reply or answer to the main post.  
- A **comment** adds a short note or clarification inside a specific response.

Open a post, write your response or comment, and click *Submit*.

.. note::
   You will receive a notification when someone creates a response or a comment on your post or response.  
   See :ref:`Staying Updated with Notifications`.


.. _Editing or deleting your own contributions:

********************************************
Editing or deleting your own contributions
********************************************

.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_edit_delete.png
   :alt: Screenshot of actions menu with options to edit or delete content you've authored.
   :width: 800
   :align: center

   Use the options menu to edit or delete content that you've authored.


You can edit or delete any post, response, or comment that you have written.  
Use the *Actions* menu on your contribution to make changes.

Be careful when deleting content:

- Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.
- Deleting a post or response deletes all its responses and comments.


.. _Endorsements and accepted answers:

*******************************************
Endorsements and accepted answers
*******************************************

.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_endorsed.png
   :alt: Screenshot of responses showing an endorsed and marked-as-answer banner on top.
   :width: 800
   :align: center

   Responses that are endorsed or marked as answers display a banner on top.


Forum moderators can endorse responses in discussion posts or mark them as the answer in question posts.
Endorsed or marked responses highlight accurate or especially helpful information, and appear with a banner on top.

If you created a question post, you can mark a response as the answer yourself, as shown below.


.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_mark_answer.png
   :alt: Screenshot of actions menu showing option to mark a response as answer on a post you've authored.
   :width: 600
   :align: center

   Use the options menu to mark a response as answer on a question post you authored.


.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_mark_answer_indicator.png
   :alt: Screenshot of posts list showing a check mark on a question that has been answered.
   :width: 600
   :align: center

   Question posts that have been answered have a check mark in the posts list.


.. note::
   You will receive a notification if your response is endorsed or marked as the answer,  
   or if a response on your post is endorsed or marked as the answer.  
   See :ref:`Staying Updated with Notifications`.


.. _Liking posts and responses:

*******************************
Liking posts and responses
*******************************

.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_likes.png
   :alt: Screenshot of actions menu showing option to like a post or response.
   :width: 600
   :align: center

   Post or response can be liked using the actions menu.


You can click the *Like* button on any post or response to show appreciation for helpful or well-written
contributions. Posts with more likes appear higher in lists sorted by *Most likes*. Count of likes can been seen
below the response or comment.


.. _Reporting inappropriate content:

*******************************
Reporting inappropriate content
*******************************

.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_report_content.png
   :alt: Screenshot of actions menu showing option to report content.
   :width: 800
   :align: center

   Use the options menu to report content that you find inappropriate or spam.

.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_reported_banner.png
   :alt: Screenshot of post showing banner on top indicating that you have reported it.
   :width: 800
   :align: center

   Content that *you* report will show an indicator on top of the post and in the list.


If you see a post, response, or comment that is inappropriate, off-topic, or spam, report it for review.  
Open the *Actions* menu on that item and select *Report*.

Moderators review reported content and may edit, delete, or close it to keep discussions safe and respectful.


.. _Moderation actions:

******************************
Moderation actions
******************************

Moderators help maintain a respectful learning environment.  
They can close posts to prevent new replies, or edit or delete content.

===========================
When a post is closed
===========================


.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_post_closed_banner.png
   :alt: Screenshot of a closed post with a lock icon and a banner explaining why it was closed.
   :width: 800
   :align: center

   Closed post will show a lock icon on the bottom right and a banner on top with information on why it was closed.


A closed post shows a lock icon at the bottom right corner.
If you are the author, a banner appears at the top explaining why the post was closed.

Moderators might close posts for reasons that include: they are off-topic, duplicates, resolved, or related to graded
assignments or exams. Closed posts can be reopened by moderators if needed.

A closed post shows a lock icon at the bottom right corner.
If you are the author, a banner appears at the top explaining why the post was closed.

Moderators may close posts that are off-topic, duplicates, resolved, or related to graded assignments or exams.  
Closed posts can be reopened by moderators if needed.

============================
When a post is edited
============================

.. figure:: /_images/learners/Discussions_edited_post_banner.png
   :alt: Screenshot of post edited by a moderator showing a banner with the reason for the edit.
   :width: 600
   :align: center

   Post edited by a moderator will show a banner on top with reason for edit.


Moderators can edit posts, responses, and comments to fix spelling, remove personal or identifying details,  
or delete harmful or inappropriate content.

If you are the post’s author, a banner appears at the top explaining why your post was edited.


.. seealso::


 :ref:`Getting started with Discussions`

 :ref:`Finding and Following the Right Conversations`

 :ref:`Staying Updated with Notifications`


**Maintenance chart**

+--------------+-------------------------------+----------------+--------------------------------+
| Review Date  | Working Group Reviewer        | Release        | Test situation                 |
+--------------+-------------------------------+----------------+--------------------------------+
| 3rd Dec, 2025| Aamir Ayub                    | Ulmo           |  Pass                          |
+--------------+-------------------------------+----------------+--------------------------------+