Asynchronous Group Work

Overview

When you create student groups in Canvas, each group is given their own homepage, which is essentially a 'mini Canvas course' where groups have their own files, pages, discussions, announcements, and collaborations tools. You as the instructor can go to these group sites and provide feedback via announcements or collaborations tool. You can even upload a file that you want to share with the group. 

 

Student Group Homepage

When you create student groups in Canvas, each group is given their own homepage with several Canvas tools (see image below). An individual group homepage (below) shows the tools the group can use and you can switch between groups (highlighted in image below).

 

collab-2.png

Image of viewing student groups' homepages

 

Group Assignments & Discussions

When you create student groups, you can create group assignments and discussions. To create a group assignment:

  1.  Go into assignments and begin creating an assignment. Under Group Assignment option, check the box
  2.  Check the 'grade as individual' if you wish for each student to get their own grade
  3.   Select which project the assignment will be attached to. Then continue filling out assignment information as usual. 

Group assignment

Image of creating a group assignment

 

Note: When creating a group discussion, it will not allow for grade individually since replies are individual.

More information on student groups can be found on our Canvas Groups Tutorials site

 

Best Practices

  • Take advantage of the tools that are available on the group's homepage by encouraging groups to utilize the groups tools. This way, you can easily check on each groups progress more easily and you keep the course 'contained' so students have most of what they need in the course.
  • Use a rubric for group assignments so students know what their role as well as delineate expectations as a group member.
  • When you grade as a whole group, any feedback will also go to the members of the group.
  • Show students how to access their groups homepage in Canvas.
  • Articulate your expectations, timelines, assessment methods, and requirements that will be involved in the group work.

 

Additional Resources