Do you want to create a (large) series of subgroups for a group assignment, where you have multiple classes that need to be divided into smaller groups? Follow the steps below. This guide explains how to do that in bulk.
If the number of groups is limited, you can also use the Groups tool, as described in this manual.
In this guide, we use the sample file provided below. You can customize it as needed.
- Navigate to your course and go to Users > Groups
- Click on New Category to create a new group category.
- Here, you create the category for the group assignment. The groups themselves will be uploaded in bulk later.
- Fill in the key details, such as the name, enrolment type, and the number of users per group. In the example below, we name the category GroepsopdrachtX. We want students to enroll themselves in the groups (self-enrolment), and a maximum of 3 students are allowed per group.
- Then click Save. The category will now be created
Next, we will add groups in bulk to this category. This can be done using the file shared above. You will need to adapt this file to suit your needs, keeping the following details in mind:
- When creating groups, it is mandatory to enroll at least one user per group. For this, use a Preview Learner. In this example, we use PreviewLearnerBONO1. Use the Preview Learner from your school for this action.
- Make sure to provide a clear Group Name. In this example, we have Class A through Class F, each divided into 10 subgroups.
- The Group Code field can be left blank; Brightspace will fill this in automatically.
- For Group Category, enter the exact name of the category you created in the previous step.
- Always enter Enroll under Action.
- Then save the file as a .csv, making sure the fields are separated by commas. You can now proceed to import the list of groups.
- Open the file in a text editor and replace the semicolons (;) with commas (,), then save the .csv file.
- On your course homepage, you will find the Group Management widget. Upload the file there and click Import.
The groups have now been created. Each group includes the Preview Learner. You can remove the Preview Learner from all groups at once by unenrolling them from the classlist.
- Go to Users > Classlist
- Click on the All tab
- Select the Preview Learner and click Unenroll
The groups are now ready for use.
Students can now enroll themselves in the groups, and you can link the groups to the group assignment.
When creating the groups at the beginning, Brightspace automatically creates a certain number of groups. Don’t forget to delete these.