Desire2Learn
Using Groups in Desire2Learn 
Uses for Groups
Groups can be very useful when using web based learning systems.
Here are some possibilities:
- Analysis
- Brainstorming
- Collaborative projects
- Extended or newly created learning communities
- Online chats
- Online discussions and case studies: quality, depth, individual participation
- Peer editing or responses
- Problem solving
Strategies for Successful Groups
Initial planning and thoughtful management can ensure successful groups. Here are some tips to make sure your groups are on the right track.
- Keep curricular objectives in mind when establishing group size and makeup.
- Determine if one group assignment is appropriate for the course or if the groups should change periodically for select activities.
- Monitor drop & add activity which impacts the group dynamics and ability to accomplish goals.
- Wisely choose the type of activities engaged in (e.g., 10 people could be unmanageable in an online chat and coordinating a time to get together may be difficult).
- Encourage groups to use the online chat for coordination and logistic planning (even using the phone if appropriate).
- Provide enough structure for the group so they do not struggle with the logistics and can focus on the group activities at hand (e.g., who starts the discussion).
- Keep a timeline of activities with checkpoints. These can be very beneficial for the group by keeping everyone on track and preventing disasters due to lack of communication.
- Determine if, when, and how the class will share in the work done by other groups.
- If assigning roles, you may want to rotate the roles to give each of the students experience in the roles and to balance the workload over time.
For additional information and perspectives on group activities see Managing--and Motivating!--Distance Learning Group Activities by Barbara J. Millis.
Group Roles
The following roles are one example of how you may establish roles for your class. Personalize this example to fit your needs and curricular objectives.
Leader
The leader will post the initial response to the question of the week. It is this person's responsibility to start the discussion (respond to the question posted by the instructor) and indicate it is for their team.
Facilitator
The facilitator makes sure the team's work is done in a timely fashion by helping to keep the team on task (e.g., watches for stray conversations).
Commenter
After the leader has posted the initial response for the week's question, the commenter will reflect on the response, readings, and their own past experience to add to the discussion.
Summarizer
The summarizer will read through the responses and post a summary for the entire class, after each team member has had a chance to participate in the discussion.