Introduction

On this page you will learn the key fundamental differences between Journals, Blogs, Wikis and Discussion Forums inside of Blackboard including a handy matrix  showing the main benefits and key features of each.

Understanding the Differences

Regardless of the tool that you use, all four tools are designed to enhance communication and collaboration. Here is a summary of all four:

Journals

Journals in Blackboard are private spaces where students can communicate with their instructors. These entries are typically used for personal reflection, project logs, or ongoing assignments.

Features of Journals

• Private communication between student and instructor.

• Entries can be graded or ungraded.

• Students can view their entries and any feedback from instructors.

Best Use Cases

• Personal reflection on course material.

• Recording progress on a long-term project.

• Writing about experiences and how they relate to course content.

How to Use

1. Navigate to the Journals section in your course.

2. Click “Create Journal Entry.”

3. Write your entry in the provided text editor.

4. Submit your entry. Your instructor will be able to view and comment on it.

Blogs

Blogs are public spaces within a course where students can post entries visible to their peers. This tool is great for sharing ideas, collaborating on group projects, and engaging in discussions.

Features

• Public posts visible to all course members.

• Students can comment on each other’s posts.

• Entries can be graded or ungraded.

Best Use Cases

• Sharing insights and ideas on course topics.

• Collaborating on group projects.

• Encouraging peer-to-peer interaction and feedback.

How to Use

1. Navigate to the Blogs section in your course.

2. Click “Create Blog Entry.”

3. Write your post in the provided text editor.

4. Submit your post. Other students can view and comment on it.

Wikis

Wikis are collaborative spaces where students can create and edit pages of content together. This tool is ideal for group projects, compiling research, and building knowledge bases.

Features

• Collaborative editing by multiple students.

• Version history to track changes.

• Pages can be graded or ungraded.

Best Use Cases

• Group projects requiring collective input.

• Compiling research and resources.

• Building a class knowledge base on a specific topic.

How to Use

1. Navigate to the Wikis section in your course.

2. Click “Create Wiki Page.”

3. Write your content in the provided text editor.

4. Save your page. Other students can edit and add to it.

Discussion Forums

Discussion Forums are structured spaces for asynchronous discussions. Instructors can create forums and threads on specific topics, and students can reply to these threads to participate in the discussion.

Features

• Organized by forums and threads.

• Asynchronous communication.

• Posts can be graded or ungraded.

Best Use Cases

• Facilitating class discussions on specific topics.

• Q&A sessions.

• Peer reviews and feedback.

How to Use

1. Navigate to the Discussion Board section in your course.

2. Select the forum you wish to participate in.

3. Click “Create Thread” to start a new discussion or “Reply” to respond to an existing thread.

4. Write your message in the provided text editor.

5. Submit your post. Other students and instructors can read and reply to it.

Resources

Journals

• Blackboard Inc. (2021). Journals | Blackboard Help.

• University of Waterloo. (2020). Using Journals in Blackboard.

Blogs

• Blackboard Inc. (2021). Blogs | Blackboard Help.

• Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. (2020). Using Blogs in Blackboard.

Wikis

• Blackboard Inc. (2021). Wikis | Blackboard Help.

• University of Central Florida. (2020). Using Wikis in Blackboard.

Discussion Forums

• Blackboard Inc. (2021). Discussion Boards | Blackboard Help.

• University of Edinburgh. (2020). Using Discussion Forums in Blackboard.

Conclusion

Each of these Blackboard tools—Journals, Blogs, Wikis, and Discussion Forums—offers unique advantages for different types of communication and collaboration. By understanding their features and best use cases, you can effectively utilize these tools to enhance your learning experience and contribute meaningfully to your course.

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Keywords

Blackboard, Journals, Blogs, Wikis, Discussion Forums, eLearning, Collaboration, Online Education, Course Tools