1. A single simple discussion
In A single simple discussion, you post a question and students are only able to reply (students cannot start a new topic of discussion). Only one discussion can be created; no additional topics can be added under a single simple discussion. Students will see the text that you've written in the forum description area as the first post of the discussion.
USED FOR: This forum keeps the discussion short and to the point; it will NOT work with separate groups.
2. Each person posts one discussion
Each student can post exactly one new discussion topic to which everyone can then reply. Students will see the introduction text in a separate space above the discussion field where they will see information such as the forum title, the author, the number of replies, and the date of the last post.
This is useful when a student needs to post an assignment or ask a question. Each discussion can have multiple replies. The view for this type of forum is basically the same as the single simple discussion. The only difference is there is an "Add a new discussion" option. Viewing a forum page, students will see the text you've written in the forum description area, and if there are any, the discussions that have been started.
USED FOR: When students are only allowed to make a single statement or comment. Online debates can be performed in this type of forum.
3. Q and A forum
In a Q and A forum, you must first post the question that your students respond to with possible answers. This forum requires students to post their perspectives BEFORE they can view other students' posts. After the initial post and after the 30-minute editing time is over, students can view and respond to others' posts. This forum type is best used when you have a particular question that you wish to have answered.
USED FOR: When you don't want students copying each other's work or ideas. It can also be used as an online teaching exercise where you would ask a question that the first student answers. The first student to answer then asks a question that the next student answers. This continues until everyone has been involved.
4. Standard forum displayed in a blog-like format
This forum type is similar to the Standard forum for general use, but the first post of each discussion is displayed (like in a blog) so that students can read it and then choose to respond by clicking the Discuss this topic button at the bottom right of the post.
USED FOR: When you would like to see a discussion thread that looks similar to a Facebook wall.
5. Standard forum for general use (This is the default type and the most used in Moodle courses.)
This forum type is an open forum where anyone can start a new discussion at any time.
Students will see the introduction text in a separate space above the discussion field where they will see information such as the forum title, the author, the number of replies, and the date of the last post. There can be one or more discussions in this forum, and anyone with permission can post multiple discussions.
USED FOR: For most general needs when posting a forum.