Now that Differentiation Tags is available in Feature Preview in production as of June 21, 2025, you may be asking yourself: What’s the difference between Sections, Groups, and Differentiation Tags? How do I know when to use each one?
Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! While these may sound similar, they serve very different purposes. Here’s a quick table to give you a brief overview of the purpose of each:
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Sections |
Groups |
Differentiation Tags |
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What is it? |
Sections are used by admins/IT to divide classes into different periods or assign different instructors to different course sections. Sections can also be used to extend a course for a student past the original end date. Because sections are often created through SIS, instructors often aren't able to create or manage them. |
Groups are a collaborative tool where instructors can group students for group assignments (which can be graded as a group, rather than individually) and discussions. No minimum on the number of students in a group. When in a group, students will have access to a mini course within the existing course where they can collaborate with other group participants. |
Differentiation Tags allow instructors to tag students based on learning needs, preferences, or academic progress. These hidden tags streamline how instructors deliver content. |
Read on to learn more about what each one does, when to use them, and sample use cases for each.
Sections: For Structure and Enrollment
What They Are:
Sections are primarily a tool for administrators and IT teams. They are used to divide classes into different periods or assign different instructors to different course sections. In many systems, Sections are created automatically through a Student Information System (SIS), and instructors may not be able to edit them directly.
Permissions:
Admin tool, high level organization
When to Use Them:
Use Sections when there is a structural need for a section that is connected to SIS.
Use Cases:
- To create sections that are aligned to SIS
Groups: For Collaboration and Projects
What They Are:
Groups are used within a course to foster collaboration among students. Instructors can create Groups for group assignments (which can be graded as a group, rather than individually), discussions, or projects. Each Group functions like a mini-course, allowing members to share files, post discussions, and collaborate independently.
Permissions:
Collaborative tool, visible to students, created by instructors or students
When to Use Them:
Use Groups when there is a collaborative or group assignment that students need to work on.
Use Cases:
- Group assignments/discussions (graded or ungraded work)
- Account-level groups students belong to outside of a course (e.g. “Student Government”, “Athletes”, etc.)
- Faculty professional development groups
Differentiation Tags: For Personalization and Hidden Organization
What They Are:
Differentiation Tags allow instructors to organize students based on learning needs, progress, or preferences. These tags are invisible to students but help instructors tailor content delivery, assignments, and assessments.
Permissions:
Course organization and management, not visible to students, created by instructors
When to Use Them:
Use Differentiation Tags when there is a reason to tag students using a hidden tag.
Use Cases:
- Tagging students who need extra time on assignments
- Creating a tag for Honors students to assign extra challenge problems
- Separating students for moderators who can then filter the gradebook
Understanding when to use Sections, Groups, or Differentiation Tags can make course management more efficient and impactful for students. We look forward to hearing your feedback about Tags and encourage you to join the feature preview. For more information about Differentiation Tags, join the community group.
