Introduction

On this page, you will be introduced to both the Discussions and Groups tools in Blackboard Ultra. While not every instructor uses these features, it is important to understand how they work and how they support collaboration and engagement in online learning. In some School of Social Work courses, participation in online discussions may account for up to 30% of your final grade. Learning how to effectively use Discussions and Groups is an important part of your academic success.

Discussions

The Discussion tool provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful academic conversations and collaborate with classmates. 

Discussions may be used to:

• Ask questions about course content that may also benefit other students

• Share links to resources, articles, or information related to class topics

• Continue conversations beyond the classroom or participate in discussion-based assignments

• Submit thoughtful, concise, researched, and properly cited responses to instructor prompts

In rigorous discussion activities, students are expected to support their ideas with citations from journal articles, course materials, or other credible resources. Avoid brief responses such as “I agree” without additional context or support. Instead, contribute meaningful replies that expand the discussion and reference evidence from readings or research.

When interacting with classmates, always follow appropriate netiquette guidelines. Differences of opinion are encouraged in academic discussions, but responses should remain respectful, constructive, evidence-based, balanced, and professional.

Accessing Discussions

To access and view Discussions in a course, click the Discussions Tab on the Top Navigation Bar. The Discussions tool will appear with a list of existing discussion topics (if any)

Participating in Discussions

To participate in a Discussion, click the Discussion Title and a side panel will appear as an overlay with the Discussion Topic details and Instructions.  The following numbers relate to the image below with detailed descriptions.

1. A list of instructions and details of what is expected from you in participating in the discussion.

2. A section where you can post your answer. Note: You may not see other responses yet. In some cases, Instructors will prevent you from seeing other responses so that each response is unique and does not follow the "I agree" challenge that some discussion boards have.

3. Statistics showing the list of posts and replies.

4. A search bar giving you the ability to locate other participants in the course.

5. An expand link to show you a list of all participants and their posts/responses count. This is helpful if you wish to spread responses to other students who may not have as many replies. 

6. The ability to follow a discussion. Note: this is tied to the notifications settings that you made in Step 3:   Blackboard Course Preferences 

Creating a New Discussion

If new Discussion Topics  are permitted from the Instructor, you will see a New Discussion button to the top right corner of the screen. If the button does not exist, you only have Respond To discussion access.

Groups

Group work in a Social Work Masters setting is an important part of learning and developing core communication skills. In some courses, you will be assigned a group and in other courses, you may be given the option to select a group based on preferences. These decisions are instructor-led, so your course may not have a group work component at all.

Blackboard Ultra Groups are designed to help students collaborate in smaller learning communities within a course. Depending on how your instructor has configured the course, groups may include shared discussion boards, group assignments, collaborative activities, file sharing, and other tools that support communication and teamwork.

Groups can be used for:

• Collaborative projects and presentations

• Small group discussions

• Peer review and feedback

• Case study analysis

• Research activities

• Shared assignment submissions

Your instructor controls how groups are created, what tools are available, and whether students can self-enroll into a group.

How to Locate and Find Your Group

If your instructor is using Groups in Blackboard Ultra, you can access them directly from within your course. To locate your group, click Groups from the Top Navigation Menu. 

A list of groups appear if Self-Enrollment is active or your group name will appear if you have already been assigned to a group.

After entering the group, you will see:

• Group members

• Group announcements

• Group discussions

• Group assignments

• Shared course tools

Some instructors may organize multiple group spaces for different projects or activities so your experience may vary a little. 

Group Discussion Boards

Many instructors use group discussions to create smaller, more focused conversations among students.

Inside a group discussion, students may:

• Respond to prompts

• Share ideas and resources

• Reply to classmates

• Collaborate on planning

• Discuss assignments or case studies

To participate in a group discussion:

1. Open your Blackboard Ultra course.

2. Access your group.

3. Select the group discussion.

4. Type your response in the discussion editor.

5. Select Post to publish your reply.

Note: Only members of your group and your instructor can typically view group discussion posts.

Group Assignments

Some instructors use Blackboard Ultra Groups for collaborative assignments where one submission may represent the entire group.

Group assignments may include:

• Shared research projects

• Presentations

• Reports

• Case study analysis

• Collaborative papers

To access a group assignment:

1. Open your Blackboard Ultra course.

2. Navigate to your group space.

3. Select the assignment link.

4. Review the instructions, due dates, and grading details.

Depending on instructor settings:

• Any group member may be able to upload files and submit work.

• All group members may receive the same grade.

• Instructors may also grade students individually based on participation.

Before submitting:

• Verify that the correct file has been uploaded.

• Confirm with your group members that the submission is final.

• Review assignment instructions carefully.

Important: Once a group assignment is submitted, changes may not be possible unless your instructor allows additional attempts.

Checking Your Progress Inside a Group

It is important to regularly monitor your participation and progress within group activities.

Students should:

• Check Blackboard notifications regularly

• Review due dates and deadlines

• Monitor discussion participation

• Confirm assignment submissions

• Communicate frequently with group members

To review your activity:

1. Open your Blackboard Ultra course.

2. Access your group workspace.

3. Review:

• Discussions

• Assignment status

• Instructor feedback

• Due dates

• Participation expectations

Helpful tip: Do not wait until the last minute to participate in group activities. Group work often depends on communication and timely collaboration from all members.

Best Practices for Success in Blackboard Ultra Groups

Successful group collaboration often depends on communication, organization, and accountability.

Consider these best practices:

• Check your Blackboard course regularly

• Respond to group messages promptly

• Participate early instead of waiting until deadlines approach

• Keep communication respectful and professional

• Save copies of important files and submissions

• Clarify responsibilities within the group

• Contact your instructor if problems arise that affect participation

• Follow appropriate Netiquette when responding to fellow classmates

Group work in graduate-level social work courses helps build collaboration, communication, advocacy, and professional teamwork skills that are essential in real-world practice settings.

Page Summary

After completing this page, you should understand how Discussions and Groups function within Blackboard Ultra and how they support communication, collaboration, and participation in your course. You learned how to locate Discussions and Groups, participate in discussion forums, respond professionally to classmates, and engage in meaningful academic conversations. You also explored how Groups can be used for collaborative learning activities, assignments, and projects, including how to access group tools, communicate with group members, submit group work, and monitor your participation and progress throughout the course.

This page was last edited 5/19/2026