The Groups tool allows you to be organized into groups. Groups can be designated by the instructor, randomly selected, or set up as Self-Enroll which allows you to add yourself to the group of your choice. Once group assignments are established, your Group will have its own area to communicate and collaborate using an assortment of tools, such as a private File Exchange, a Group Discussion Board, and a Group Journal.

There are several ways to access a group from within your course.

• Groups page: A link on the Course Menu or in a Content Area. This page lists all available groups and sign-up sheets for self-enroll groups.

• My Groups panel: The My Groups panel appears following the Course Menu. The My Groups panel provides direct links to the group space for each group for which you are a member. The My Groups panel can be expanded to reveal all the tools that are available for the group to use.

• Group Link: A Group Link is a link to a single group, sign-up sheet, or the Groups page made available in a course content area.

  

To read about the Frequently Asked Questions for Blackboard's Groups tool click here.

There are certain elements in the Group area, you should know:

• Group Properties: includes a description, members, and quick access to email all group members.

• Group Tools: contains the tools that have been enabled by your instructor to help you collaborate. If there is a Group Tool that your group wants to use and is not currently enabled, contact your instructor. To learn more about the Group Tools, visit Blackboard's help page here.

• Group Assignments: contains assignments released to the group members; only the instructor and members of that group have access to the group assignments.

Below is a preview of what the Group Area may look like.