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The information provided in this guide is based on the Canvas Instructor guides. These are the ultimate authority on Canvas and are the most up-to-date on specific settings in Canvas. While we will endeavor to update our articles with the most recent information, please rely on the Canvas guides for step-by-step processes. |
Overview
Students enrolled in a course can be grouped together for projects, presentations, and other assignments in your course. Once groups are created, the instructor can choose to have each student submit work individually or choose to have only one student submit work for their entire group. In this case, Canvas automatically distributes the grade to each individual within that group, and the first student to submit work sees a warning notice reminding them they are submitting for their entire group.
How to Effectively Use Canvas Groups
You can use Canvas Groups as a collaborative tool for students. Consider these tips when creating groups in Canvas:
Canvas will allow the instructor to create as many different groups as desired and assign each named group to different assignments. (Not recommended due to difficulty in setup.)
Groups and configurations do not transfer from semester to semester in Canvas courses and must be remade each semester.
When groups are created, Canvas notifications will alert students. Check carefully after the groups are created that your students are all assigned.
It is recommended that instructors post detailed instructions in Canvas for students, including links to Canvas guides, to ensure students can participate successfully.
Additional Features of Canvas Groups
While the Groups tool does allow instructors to divide students up for grading discussions and assignments, it actually has a much larger capability! Groups are like a smaller version of your course and are used as a collaborative tool/collaborative workspace. In Canvas Groups, students can…
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While this is a great tool, many instructors and students are not aware of its capabilities. The Canvas Groups Overview (Students) is a valuable resource that you can provide to your students so they understand how to use this feature. We encourage you to consider using it with your students.
Examples
Groups are a helpful way to organize and manage collective assignments in your course. The following scenarios are ways in which instructors might use groups in their Canvas sites:
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Groups allow instructors to organize the work students complete, grant and restrict access to certain students vs. other students and provide a space for student collaboration in a password-protected online environment. (used with permission from Boston College Center for Teaching Excellence).
Related Information
To learn more about Groups, see these additional articles.
Canvas Instructor Guides: Groups, Instructure
Groups Overview (Video), Instructure
Getting Started with Groups, Boston College Center for Teaching Excellence