Group Discussion Boards
Discussion board groups are an easy way to break up a large classroom and connect students to the course. In large classes, studies have shown that it is harder for students to feel connected to a course. Enabling students to hold discussions with smaller numbers of peers allows them to connect more intentionally with one another and makes it more likely they will engage with the full discussion instead of just the one or two other posts as required.
These discussion board groups are also an easy way to facilitate group projects in an online course. Using the discussion board as a tool for collaboration and connection, students can dive more deeply into a set topic or prepare for another kind of project. They can compile resources, evaluate various ideas, and plan their next steps all in one place. As the instructor, you can contribute to these conversation as well, helping groups stay on track or expanding their set of questions.
Creating a Group on Canvas
To create a group discussion board on Canvas, follow the general guidelines to creating any discussion board. Use the proper headings for accessibility purposes and make sure to include sufficient instructions. Once you have created your prompt, set your discussion board settings as you desire.
Below the general settings you will see a “Group Discussion” section. Check this box to create a project group. Next you will Create the Group Set and label the group set name. You can choose to allow self-signup which allows students to pick which group they will join, Canvas can set them randomly, or you can assign groups. You can then choose the number of groups you want to make and set a limit for the number of students per group. A general rule of thumb is to limit group sizes to about 5 – 6 people. Once you save these settings, finish setting the availability parameters for the discussion board, save and publish the entire board. If you gave your students the ability to self-assign a group, they will be able to choose which group set to join. If you manually assigned groups, students will only be able to access the group they are assigned to. As the instructor you will have access to every group.
Upcoming Events
Quick Hits: Turnitin Feedback Studio
Thursday, February 15th, 3:30-4:30 PM
Join this training to learn more about the Turnitin Feedback Studio and AI detection. Whether you are completely new to Turnitin Feedback Studio, want to see a demonstration, or just have a question related to the topic, this training has you covered. When registering, choose whether to have a specific topic covered, enter your question, or both.
Facilitated by our Learning Tech Team.
When: February 15th, 3:30-4:00 pm.
Registration: Quick Hits: Turnitin Feedback Studio.
Interactive Learning and AI
Wednesday, February 21st, 1:30-2:30 PM
Join this training to learn more about AI and interactive learning in your course! This training will cover several pedagogical approaches to AI tools, including ChatGPT.
Facilitated by Millie Tullis, Digital Learning Strategist.
Registration: Interactive Learning and AI.
Modality: Virtual and synchronous—an Outlook Calendar invite, with the Zoom link, will be sent.
Quick Hits: Canvas Basics
Thursday, March 7th, 3:30-4:00 PM
Join this training to learn more about Canvas fundamentals! Whether you have a specific question or want a Canvas tool demonstrated, this training opportunity is your time to work with one of our Learning Technology Specialists. When registering, choose whether to have a specific topic covered, enter your question, or both.
Facilitated by our Learning Tech Team.
Registration: Quick Hits: Canvas Basics.
Modality: Virtual and synchronous—an Outlook Calendar invite, with the Zoom link, will be sent.
Clemson Online Spring 2024 Events Calendar
Review our Spring 2024 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!
We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, presentations on group assignments in online courses, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.
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