As of July 20, all users will see a new interface when interacting with Discussions or Announcements in bCourses. The updated interfaces include a modernized look and some added features. No functionality has been removed. All previously-created discussion posts and announcements (including any scheduled posts) have been transferred to the new interface with no additional effort required from instructors or students.
What is Changing?
The new interface has updates that impact instructors as well as all users.
Instructor functionality:
- Instructors and GSIs are now identified when they post or reply
- Search toolbar is now at the top and has expanded functionality to give instructors a more comprehensive view of student interactions
- Choose between Split Screen or Inline view
- Sort by newest or oldest first
- Designate specific discussions as anonymous or optionally anonymous
- Assign non-graded discussions to students
- View the edit history of student responses
All user functionality:
- Users can mention people in the class by using the @ symbol.
- Mentioned users will receive a notification sent to their email by default.
- Users can quote previous replies in their responses to provide more context for their discussion post.
See this page for a detailed description of all changes and enhancements: Discussions Redesign Instructor Guide(link is external) and Dive into the Discussion Redesign with Our New Video(link is external).
What do instructors need to do?
All existing discussions and announcements have automatically been migrated, and no additional steps are required from instructors. If your course makes extensive use of discussions, you may wish to alert students to the new interface in case you receive any questions. Students can be referred to this page to learn about the changes: Discussions Redesign Student Guide(link is external).
Why is this change occurring now?
The vendor is requiring that all users permanently move to the new interface on July 20, 2024.
What if instructors have questions or encounter issues?
Instructors can contact bCourseshelp@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) or schedule a 1:1 bCourses consultation(link is external)
What if I want to opt out?
As of July 20, 2024, the old Discussions view has been retired and only the new design is available.
What other discussion tools are available?
UC Berkeley Research, Teaching, and Learning also supports the Ed Discussion platform which can be integrated with bCourses. See this page for more information about Ed Discussions.