Want to encourage more student participation using the threaded discussions in Blackboard 8?  Take a look at some of the pedagogical strategies offered by Professor Klemm of Texas A&M.

1. Require participation.
2. Form learning teams.
3. Make the activity interesting.
4. Don’t settle for just opinions.
5. Structure the activity.
6. Require a hand-in assignment (deliverable).
7. Know what you are looking for and involve yourself to help
make it happen.
8. Peer grading.

http://resources.blackboard.com/scholar/general/pages/ictraining/Eight_Ways_Engage_Conferences.pdf