[Discussions] Anonymous Discussion- 'Partial' Option to hide names from students only

Problem statement:

Currently in the Discussion/Announcements Redesign, the 'Full' Anonymous Discussion Option means "student names and profile pictures are hidden from other course members, including teachers." We recommend that teachers avoid using any digital feature that limits their ability to identify students- both for classroom management and safety reasons, but can see the benefits of students not being able to identify one another.

Proposed solution:

If possible, can the Anonymous Discussion have an additional 'Partial' option of hiding names on the student end- but not teachers? We recommend that teachers avoid using any digital feature that limits their ability to identify students- both for classroom management and safety reasons. Teachers must be able to hold students accountable for their online behavior towards their peers and be able to provide the necessary support and counselor referrals for a student in the event that there were concerning statements made. Additionally, partial anonymity may also allow the Discussion to be graded, whereas full anonymity does not. We think students not being able to identify one another in a Discussion would foster more honest responses and genuine conversation, unfortunately we will be discouraging its use across the district as it.

User role(s):

admin

6 Comments
KristinL
Community Team
Community Team
Status changed to: Will Not Consider

Thank you for taking the time to share this feedback as an Idea in the Community!

For consistency, the Community Team asks all comments, questions, and requests related to the Discussions Redesign to be directed to the Discussions/Announcements Redesign Group. Other early adopters share their experiences, and Instructure Product Managers actively monitor that space. I hope you can connect and collaborate with others in that User Group. This thread has been moved to our Will Not Consider status to streamline our Ideas space and prevent duplicate conversations.

 

admille76
Community Member
Problem statement:

I would like to suggest a feature that allows students to post anonymously in discussions and assignments, while still enabling teachers to see the identity of the student behind each post. This would encourage open participation and reduce the fear of judgment, while ensuring accountability and appropriateness.

Proposed solution:

I would like to suggest a feature that allows students to post anonymously in discussions and assignments, while still enabling teachers to see the identity of the student behind each post. This would encourage open participation and reduce the fear of judgment, while ensuring accountability and appropriateness.

User role(s):

instructor

KristinL
Community Team
Community Team
Status changed to: New
 
tntechgal
Community Member
Problem statement:

When teachers use the anonymous option for discussion boards, teachers nor the admin can identify which student made the post.

Proposed solution:

Anonymous should hide the student name, but the teacher or an admin should be able to identify the student who posted. In K-12 education, you have to be mindful of the potential for bullying and violence posts. The way anonymous mode currently works is an issue because the admin can't identify the student posting.

User role(s):

admin,instructor

SACollins21
Community Member
Problem statement:

Teachers cannot set up a class discussion and give students anonymity among their classmates without losing that information themselves.

Proposed solution:

The choices should be (suggested changes in CAPS): Anonymous Discussion Off: student names and profile pictures will be visible to other members of this course Partial: students can choose to reveal their nameS and profile pictureS TO THEIR CLASSMATES; INSTRUCTORS CAN SEE NAMES AND PROFILE PICTURES Full: student names and profile pictures will be hidden It would be nice to be able to allow students to share their writing and ideas with some level of anonymity, but identifying information should be accessible to teachers if PARTIAL is selected.

User role(s):

instructor,student

nathanatkinson
Community Team
Community Team
Status changed to: Open