As an asynchronous communication tool, forums contribute significantly to successful communication and community building in an online environment by allowing course participants to exchange ideas, discuss material, and interact within the course. Your teacher will most likely use forums to promote collaboration in your classroom. Forums allow teachers and students to communicate with each other on a given topic by exchanging ideas through posts and replies. Unlike the face-to-face classroom, you do not need to raise your hand to make a point; instead, you can post your thoughts to a discussion.

To successfully participate in a forum:

• Be sure you understand the forum requirements.
• Reference course activities, such as assigned readings, when appropriate. This helps indicate to your teacher that you're completing these activities.
• Reply to your classmates. After all, it's not a discussion if you're not talking to one another. Consider asking questions to engage them in further discussion.
• Take time to write a meaningful response.
• Check back frequently and look for new posts.
• Follow netiquette guidelines.
• Stay on topic.