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Northern Illinois University

Teaching with Blackboard

Using Groups

Find More Information FAQ

View answers to frequently asked questions asked by NIU faculty and staff.

Once the Faculty Member has created groups, she will need to set up a discussion area for each. This function is NOT done through the Control Panel, but from the Communications button on the course page.

Important Note: To enable group discussion, the Faculty Member must create a forum within the group space and allow new threads (under forum options) for each separate group. Group members do not have the ability to add a forum.

  • Communication click Group Pages click (select group) click Discussion Board click Add Forum

group options

  • Other group functions:
    • Collaboration (same as for whole class Collaboration)
    • File exchange: allows students to share files with group members. All group members can both add and REMOVE files from this exchange area.
    • Students can send email to group members. Email addresses are displayed only when a student elects (through Edit Personal Information) to have the address displayed. Names are listed and email will go to group members even if their email address does not show.

Groups Frequently Asked Questions FAQ


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Are you looking for more information related to groups in Blackboard? Review the answers to frequently asked questions regarding group activities in Blackboard. Also, consider attending one of the upcoming Blackboard workshops.

Last Updated: 09/05/2007