These messages can be read and responded to by anyone visiting the forum. Because responses are grouped with their respective messages, each message has the potential of starting a long discussion thread involving many contributors. Features Anyone can read and respond to messages posted to the forum. Responses can be posted to the forum or sent privately to the individual who posted the message. Messages can contain links to web pages and other documents.
Users can subscribe to the discussion forum and receive e-mail copies of all new forum messages.
The entire forum is searchable by keywords. The forum can be protected so that only users who know the password can view and use it. Uses Students can discuss course material outside of class. Students can post questions that can be answered by instructors or peers. Instructors can seed the forum with discussion topics.