What is Yellowdig?
Yellowdig is a discussion platform that can be linked from a Brightspace course to form a private class community. Yellowdig communities are designed to make it easy to post, comment, share media, and respond to each others’ posts following some of the conventions of social media apps that students are familiar with.
In Yellowdig, students have agency to create conversations. Instructors can set up a list of topics and, when students create posts, they'll be required to select one or more of your topics that their post relates to. This can help readers (including the instructor) to focus on the topics they choose.
A different approach to grading
The fully customizable grading system is one of Yellowdig's most powerful features. Points are earned automatically and grades can be synced with the Brightspace Grade Book.
Rather than in the typical discussion board where the assignment is often to "post once in response to a weekly prompt, and reply twice by [due date]," students earn points differently in Yellowdig.
Yellowdig is designed for students to earn points by:
- creating posts or leaving comments on others' posts
- receiving comments or reactions for posts they've made
- earning accolades: instructors can award point-earning accolades – small images accompanied by a label and point value. A couple examples are "Taught me something new!" or "Thoughtful response!" By leaving accolades, instructors give emphasis and point out what they feel is important.
If you choose to use Yellowdig, it's a good practice to post its purpose and your expectations within Brightspace, where you will be linking to the Yellowdig platform. For instance, explain that Yellowdig is a learning community, more relaxed and free-flowing than the traditional discussion board.
Your expectations of them might be to…
- take ownership of discussions
- have course-relevant conversations
- be respectful and engaged
- earn your required points (which you can then explain)
What they can expect from you might be…
- I'll be another citizen in this community who may also post sometimes
- I will read but won't respond to all posts, unless occasionally to highlight or clarify something
- I may give point-bearing accolades
Yellowdig on UVM Knowledge BaseRecording of Yellowdig Refresher Workshop