As you read through most documents (assuming you are logged in under your own account rather than as a guest), you will occasionally come across a small icon like the one appearing at the start of this paragraph. Clicking on this icon (go ahead and try it) will open up a list of "discussion threads" that students and/or instructors have created to discuss this document. Clicking on one of the items in that list will take you to that discussion. Try it now, and read up on how to add your own replies to an existing discussion thread.

Reading through a document with existing discussion threads is the electronic equivalent of sitting in a lecture and having one of your classmates raise their hand to ask a question. In many cases, that question and its answer may help you learn more about the topic under discussion. In some cases, you may know the answer and be able to supply it. You are encouraged to do so, so that you and your classmates together are able to get prompt answers to any questions you may have.