A discussion forum often requires that you request membership and choose a login name. In use you might check the board every few days to follow a conversation thread , or otherwise browse the contents. We talk about 'open' and 'closed' discussion groups. In the former, anyone can participate, usually after identifying oneself. In a 'closed' discussion participation is limited to the members of a group.
Discussion groups are one of the most valuable resources for educators.
They allow you to read archived ideas of others on topics that interest you, and allow you to pose questions about topics that engage you. Discussion groups are sometimes based on curriculum areas. In other cases they cover cross-curricular issues. SOFWeb's Discussion Groups host wide ranging discussions of interest to teachers. You may browse these by logging in as guest .