BSCW Project Help Files: Initiating a Discussion

In order to add a URL to the Workspace please follow the following procedure. First be sure you are in the proper folder! Check the naviation bar-- the final name is the name of your currently open folder.

From the blue menu bar choose File -- New -- Discussion . The screen will look something like this:

Once you select File -- New -- Discussion you will be presented with a screen which looks something like this:

Here are some hints for filling out this screen:

Name (optional):
If you are initiating a discussion it is a good idea to fill out this box to clearly identify the topic or theme of the discussion. You can use such names as: "Let's form a Discussion Group" or "Reflections on Creationism" or "Let's Buy Bucko New Hair" depending on the nature of your course or the types of interactions you wish to premote.

Type:
This drop down box (click on the down arrow and you'll see a drop down menu with six choices) allows you to attach an icon to your comment. Note shows a little message pad, pro shows a smily face, con shows a less than smily face, angry shows an even less than smily face, important shows an exclamation point and idea shows a light bulb!

Subject:
Type in the subject of your specific reply. This refers to your entry in the discussion while the Name refers to the general topic. Thus in the Subject you might put "Rules for Discussion Group," "I'm in favor of creationism", "Here's my donation for Bucko's hair". Summarize your comments on this line.

Message:
This is where you put the content of your message. DO NOT INDENT when you begin a message. If you indent then the message will not "scroll". Begin in the very upper left corner of the box and add your message. After you have filled in the boxes click the "OK" button. Be sure to go back and click on the URL to make sure that it actually works!!!

This page is managed by Rev. Raymond A. Bucko, S.J. of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Creighton University, the Jesuit College of Nebraska. E-Mail: bucko@creighton.edu Page Last Updated: January 18, 2002