Recognize and Overcome Roadblocks while Using Groups

Introduction

Canvas Groups allows students to collaborate within Canvas using Group Tools. The Canvas Group space can be confusing for students and instructors. As a result, students don't use the space and instructors cannot see their work.

Read this page to familiarize yourself with three of the most common roadblocks while using Canvas Groups. Below, you will find strategies that address these roadblocks and provide suggestions for maneuvering through them safely. These strategies will help to prevent unnecessary confusion for students and promote participation. Each is customizable based on your course and student needs.

 

Roadblock One: The Canvas Group space can be confusing

The Canvas Group space can be confusing for everyone, instructors and students alike . It looks the same as a Canvas course, but is a completely separate workspace for students. When students enter, they are met with a blank Group Home Page. Instructors cannot customize the Group Home Page to add instructions for students. Use the strategies below to provide students with clear instructions about how to use Groups.

Strategy: Provide Students with Clear Instructions in the Orientation Module

Add a Groups page to your Student Orientation Module to provide students with expectations and instructions in one place.

IT Learning and Development has created a Student Orientation Module to acclimate students to Canvas and teach them how to use Canvas Tools included in your course. This module is available through Canvas Commons Links to an external site. and includes the Groups page mentioned above.

  1. Find the module by clicking the Commons button in your global navigation menu and then searching for: "Canvas Student Orientation (Penn State)".
  2. Select the option to import the module into any of your Canvas courses.
  3. Go to the Modules tab in your course and customize the module to suit your specific needs.

If you have trouble finding the module in Commons, you can also use the link below to download the entire module. Then, you can import the file into your course using the Import button in your course settings:

Follow the steps in the tutorial to learn how to import a Canvas course export package into your Canvas course:

Strategy: Provide Students with Clear Instructions in Group Assignments

Include project-specific instructions on an Assignment with a link to the Groups page in the Orientation Module.

 

Roadblock Two: Students don't know how to use Canvas Group Tools

Another challenge in Canvas Groups is that students have access to collaborative Group Tools, but may not know how to use them. These Group Tools may be different than the tools that students use in their Canvas course. Instructors cannot change or remove the Group Tools available to students in the Group space. Use the strategies below to help acclimate students with the Canvas Group Tools.

Strategy: Familiarize Yourself with the Group Tools

Familiarize yourself with the Group Tools from a student's perspective.

Strategy: Show Students How to Use the Group Tools

Demonstrate to students how to use Group Tools to complete an assignment.

 

Roadblock Three: It's difficult to motivate students and track their participation

It's often difficult to encourage students to work together and to track their participation while working in groups. Some students may choose to use external tools like Google Docs or Box to collaborate. When students use external tools, instructors cannot see individual contributions or help guide learning. Use the strategies below to help students understand your expectations and keep up with their progress.

Strategy: Model Appropriate Participation for Students

Contribute to your student's group work to show them what you expect.

Strategy: Provide Feedback

Guide students' learning by providing feedback on rubrics in SpeedGrader or through Canvas Inbox.