This allows local and distance students to join in a discussion about a particular course subject. The newsgroup can be moderated by an instructor or student monitor. The moderator previews all postings to the newsgroup and decides which postings are valid. The moderator chooses which postings are appropriate for the newsgroup and can provide input to the discussions. The moderator also has the opportunity to lead discussions in a certain direction if it seems that the discussion is bearing fruit or to point the discussion in the right direction.
Students can post questions clarifying assignments, problems, labs or schedules.
Any student can respond to a posting to discuss their approach to the problem, to offer solutions or point to reference material. The purpose is to provide an area where students can discuss problems or questions that they have. Normally, a posting to a newsgroup may not be answered for several days if answered at all. Replying to any unanswered newsgroup postings after a certain period of time would have to be part of the moderator's job. This ensures that any student who posts a question, receives an answer.