[Discussions] Modify Discussion Forums to be more like an in class Discussion

[pmercier]

My request is to restructure the Discussion Forum to act more like a Classroom Discussion so that both Student and Instructor do no have to do the "Scroll of Death" to be part "in" the Discussion.   It's helpful to have the "Like" feature for the Instructor, but perhaps there might be a way to condense the Discussions?   Maybe a Side by Side?   Student comments on one side and Instructor on other side?   Or maybe Group them?  Anyway the scrolling is the issue

How about something like a Kindle format?   Have "Thumbnails" of each post and maybe link similar replies together connected by a line in the Thumbnail.   Then the Instructor can click on the Thumbnail and bring to the front? 

Just want to add a bit to this.  How about adding at a feature labeled "Responses" next to the "like" button at the bottom of each discussion?  This would be an optional feature, but when present could be clicked on to see others comments on a particular thread.  

Or possibly a "Network" Diagram of common responses?

[dan_baeckstrom]

@pmercier Please also note that the extension is now available at https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/canvas-entry-links/nhpnamepfjgalchfkgaaejbfmadnpkkj

[pmercier]

@dan, I just witnessed a demo of a tool that really is the best answer to the "Discussion" issues.

Have a look at Harmonize!!

We can remove this Thread as it's been done by the above company!!

[ModeratorPanda]

Thank you for sharing this idea with the Instructure Community!

With the release of the Announcements/Discussions Redesign, the Product Team reviewed some related feature proposals, and unfortunately, this request was identified as one that they would not be able to include in their current or future plans. While we appreciate your proposal, we also want to be transparent about the likelihood of something like this making it to production.

Thank you for collaborating, and we hope that you submit another idea in the future!