Once you log into D2L,
either
stay on the D2L Welcome page to use the Campus-wide discussions,
or
select the desired class to read class specific discussions.

Now select the Discussions link on the gray toolbar.

The discussions page will appear. Unread posts will be bold.

Scroll down to Settings, or the Discussion you wish to read or write a post to, and click the underlined Discussion Title.

Note: Discussions are time sensitive, and my be locked or removed as the semester goes on.

It is suggested that you check
Display Settings: Show the discussion topics list

This way, after selecting a discussion, you will be able to see list of all the discussion topics to the left of the screen, so you may selecting other topics to read or post to after completing your first message.

After selecting a forum, click the underlined topic that you would like to read.

The messages in that topic will now display.

Click on the particular message you would like to read,
the selected message will display, perhaps below the selected forum.

You may need to click the Date item above the messages to sort by date before selecting your message.

Once the message is open, you may also navigate to other messages using the [Previous] or [Next] buttons.

Note: there may be multiple pages within the same topic.

Some discussions are set up for users to Rate the post.

To rate, move from left to right over the Rating stars, and click the last star in the number of stars you wish to award, such as '1 out of 5' or '4 out of 5.'

Not all forums are rated.

1. Above the message, locate and click on [Reply].
   A reply form will replace the current message.
   The message you are replying to will still display.
   
   
   
   
2. In the reply box, type your message BEFORE the previous message.
   
   
   
   
3. When your message is complete, click [Post]

After selecting the forum that you would like to post a message in,
at the top of the page, choose [Compose]

A new window to write a message in will become available
(the Forum the message is being posted to will display also).

Fill in an appropriate subject.

Type in your message.

You may also [Add a file]. The process of adding a file here is the same as attaching a file to a dropbox. Click here for details.

When you have finished your message,
Click [Post].