Is it possible to embed a forum/discussion in a web page (topic)

Question

I would like to have a discussion embedded right in a web page so students can read a text blurb, answer a question, see other students comments and then go right to the next text blurb.  Right now I can only link away from the text to a separate page for the discussion.  Anyone know if this is possible?  thanks!

Christopher.C.9807 · Answer

Thank you for the responses. Furkan.K.312 for the tips on adding a link (this is how I have it set up now) and Sreelakshmi for letting me know this is similar to an already-existing request for a tool.  The "comments" tool in sakai is very similar to a forum (discussion).  What I like about it, as opposed to creating a link to a forum/discussion, is that it can be right there on the page, embedded so to speak (examples are attached).

We have a "keep them on the road" philosophy with our asynchronous courses and try to not have them click away if possible.  Sometimes the questions they answer may refer to a graph, just above the comment area so that the students can view it, study it, maybe comment on part of it and then view the graphic again etc.  Having the tool right there on the page, embedded, makes it easier for this.  I cannot speak to the exact differences of the comment tool vs. the forum tool (other than forums are better able to be organised as the comment tool is more analogous to the topic level) but they are similar.  The comments tool allows students to speak to the prompt and not spin off on what the previous student said such as a forum topic does, it is more short and to the point in that way.

I would think next steps would be for the team to consider allowing fo the embedding of forums right there on the page. This would allow students to not need to click away and toggle back and forth if there is a graphic to view, for example, while answering the prompt.

Just an idea to consider, there are more instances I can think of that makes it a more fluid experience to "stay on the road" but I think this lays it out better than my initial question.  Thanks again for the attention to this, hope you have a great summer!

Furkan.K.312 · Answer

Hi there,

Embedding a discussion directly within a web page in Brightspace isn't natively supported, but you can create a seamless experience by using quicklinks to discussion topics. This allows students to access discussions without navigating away from the content page.

Steps to Embed a Discussion Using Quicklinks:

* Create the Discussion Topic:* Navigate to Discussions in your course.
* Create a new discussion forum and topic, or use an existing one.

* Add a Quicklink to the Content Page:* Go to Content in your course.
* Select the module where you want to add the discussion link.
* Click Add Existing > Insert Quicklink1.
* Choose Discussions from the Quicklink options.
* Select the discussion topic you created.

* Embed the Quicklink in the Text:* In the Brightspace Editor, insert the quicklink within the text blurb.
* Highlight the text where you want the link to appear, click the Insert Quicklink icon, and select the discussion topic.

I hope this will help.

Sreelakshmi.N.546 · Answer

Hi Christopher

Thank you for reaching out to us through the community!

Currently, the discussion forums/topics that are linked or embedded into a content topic webpage will be displayed as a link. The discussion will be opened on a new page when we access/click the same.

We appreciate your feedback and have identified your requirement as a feature request.

I have found an existing PIE idea that closely matches your request and is currently in ' In Review' status: https://desire2learn.brightidea.com/ideas/D10972

As you deem appropriate, kindly leave your comments and promote this idea.

Or, if you wish you can create a new PIE idea that clearly explains your requirement.

TheProduct Idea Exchange is designed for direct submission by our clients and end users to our Product Development organization and has the following advantages:

•Allows you to receive direct updates on each request you submit

•Allows other community members to vote on ideas

• Allows other community members to contribute to and collaborate on each idea

•Ensures ideas that have the greatest impact on our clients and end users receive consideration for inclusion in future releases.

We look forward to hearing from you at the Product Idea Exchange!

Thanks,

Sreelakshmi