Group Set

[rgupta]

I created group sets to allow differentiated assignments with differing deadlines for each group after noticing that there is a calendar for each group. I was very disappointed to see that the group calendars are not functional!

Does anyone know how to get them to work?

Thanks,

-Rekha

[SusanNiemeyer]

What you need to do is set up "Sections," not "Groups."  In Canvas, "Sections" are used to create differentiated assignments. On the other hand, "Groups" are used to set up collaborative assignments.

[rgupta]

Thank you, I will try doing that!

[SusanNiemeyer]

This, by the way, is another of my big pet peeves with Canvas. I can't begin to count the number of times I've seen instructors try to set up "Groups" when they really want "Sections."

The problem is terminology.  The Canvas developers should relabel Groups as Teams. The term "Team" conveys the notion that students will be doing "collaborative work."

I know that the Idea Conversations is being revisited, but just how do we break through to Instructure that a few simple fixes like this could make a HUGE DIFFERENCE?  

[chriscas]

Hi @SusanNiemeyer,

I'm not totally sure is "teams" is the right terminology here, as there could be confusion with the Microsoft product or translations.  That being said, I totally agree that "groups" causes a lot of confusion as it's such a broad term.  As sections are often tied to an SIS and something that many schools.institutions wouldn't allow teachers to modify, I've suggested in the past perhaps having two different "types" of groups (though I know this could be confusing too).  "Collaborative groups" would be the existing functionality, made for students to work collaboratively in teams together.  "Differentiation groups" would be more like sections, where teachers could create different groups of students who perhaps have different deadlines, different work, etc form the other in the class and it's too painful to enter the individual names on each and every assignment.  I know my terminology definitely needs work, but I really think Canvas could benefit from some work in this area (without breaking any current functionality, as that would be totally unacceptable for most users).

Maybe we should collaborate to come with a solid idea for this once the new process opens up!

-Chris

[SusanNiemeyer]

Collaborative Groups and Differentiation Groups could work at terms. The main issue is that the Canvas Developers need to collaborate more with actual teachers to understand how we use common terminology. Good design should make this system as intuitive and user-friendly as possible. 

I'm glad to see the Idea Conversations being reworked, but maybe they could also have some focus groups with those who regularly answer questions and give advice here.

[Chris_Hofer]

@SusanNiemeyer and @chriscas ...

I'm not sure if these Guides will also be re-worked during the halt on Feature ideas, but in this document:

What is the feature development process for Instructure products? 

....the "Discover" section describes where Instructure's Product team currently gathers feedback from us.  Maybe focus groups could be added there, too.  My $0.02.

[SusanNiemeyer]

@chriscas   @Chris_Hofer 

I would actually propose these terms: "Collaborative Groups" and "Differentiated Sections." It would continue usage of the terms "Groups" and "Sections," but provide meaningful descriptors.

I really hope that someone from the Canvas Development team reads this and realizes that it would be a very good fix to a perennial issue.

[chriscas]

@SusanNiemeyer,

I know we're getting into a bit of an echo chamber here, but in case anyone from Instructure reads this at some point I wanted to make one comment about the naming.  I was calling both things "groups" as we could then say with relative certainty that groups are controlled by the teacher, and sections would be more likely to be an SIS function (though that's not concrete).  Functionally, you're right that sections is a more appropriate name (maybe we could say "subsections" for clarity between the two?).

I could potentially see this being a nice topic for a blog before the feature ideas even re-open, but I have to see how much free time I'll have and if it would be enough to write a nice blog.  In my mind, I always see a blog as a more formal thought out post than just replying to comments, so I feel like It'll take a lot more of my time.

-Chris

[SusanNiemeyer]

I definitely feel that participating in this forum is like an echo chamber.

Nevertheless, you've hit on why the term "Section" on its own is somewhat confusing. I teach at a community college, so for me, a "section" is the roster of students registered in my class through SIS. Again, this is another example of how the Canvas Development team came up with a term without really understanding how it is used in an instructional setting.