Title: Start Here: Communication Tools
Course: CPS 189: Java Certification - Review, Practice & Prepare (Development) > Section: Course Orientation

In your Blackboard courses, you may encounter one or more types of communication tools.  Let's take a brief look at the different types.

Discussion Boards

Many of our interactions will take place using the Blackboard Discussion Board.  The Discussion Board link in the left-hand navigation will take you directly to the posting area.

View this video on Interacting in Discussions to see how to access discussions and manage and reply to posts.

Journal

The Journal allows you to post reflections, discussions or analysis of the course, assignments or materials in private communication with your instructor.

View this video on Using the Journal Tool to learn more.

Blog

A blog, or web log, often takes the form of an online journal or diary.  In your courses, you may read, post, or comment on one or more blogs. The tools to create a blog are nearly identical to those used in the Journal tool.

View this video on The Blog Tool to learn more.

Wiki

Blackboard's Wiki tool allows students to collaborate on research, a paper, a web page, etc.  Instructor or student-created study guides, collaborative glossaries and group project workspace are just some of the possible uses.

View this video on The Wiki Tool to learn more.

Online Meetings

An online meeting allows you to participate in a live (or synchronous) meeting through your computer or telephone. Some features available with online meetings include audio, video, chat and screen sharing. Should we use this tool, more information will be available in the left-hand navigation.