Lock a Discussion Forum or Topic

Locking a topic prevents users from creating new posts or modifying existing posts, making the conversation read only. Users with permission (Instructors and TA roles with editing permissions) can modify the contents of a locked topic. Locking a topic is an effective way of closing a conversation while allowing users to refer back to posts. Consider locking a topic to end a conversation, then using a pinned summary post inside the topic. When users access the topic, your summary appears at the top.

You can specify start and end dates for when a forum or topic unlocks so you can set things up ahead of time to match your course calendar.

Lock a Discussion Forum or Topic

  1. On the nav bar, click the Activities menu, then select Discussions.
    Discussions on the Nav Bar
  2. From the context menu of the forum or topic you want to lock, click Edit Topic.
    Discussions Edit Topic
  3. On the Restrictions tab, select your Locking Options. Remember, locking your discussion controls when students can respond to the discussion. Choose either:
    • Unlock topic.
    • Lock topic.
    • Unlock topic for a specific date range.
      1. Check the box for Has Start Date and set the date/time to unlock the topic.
      2. Check Has End Date and set the date/time to lock the topic.
      3. Check the box to Display in Calendar.
        Discussions Locking Options
  4. Click Save and Close.