D2L Brightspace: Create Small Group Discussions

Question

How do I create small group discussions in D2L Brightspace? 

Overview

First create the Group Category and Groups

1. Click the Groups link under Communication
2. Click the New Category button
3. Enter a Category Name
4. Select from the Enrollment Type dropdown menu the style of group you prefer
5. Enter in the Number of Groups or the Number of Users per Group you want to have based on the Enrollment Type
6. Under Advanced Properties, click the arrow next to Show advanced properties
7. Under Group Options, check the box next to Auto-enroll new users
8. Click the Save button

You can also watch this tutorial video on creating Groups

Then create the Group discussions Topic

To create a Group Topic in the New Discussion Editing Experience:

1. Navigate to Discussions, click the New button. Select Topic
2. Enter a Topic Title.
3. Click Change Forum link. Select Create a forum or Choose an existing forum and select the forum from the menu. Then click Apply changes,
4. Expand the Availability, Dates, & Conditions widget.
5. Click the Manage Restrictions link.
6. Select the Restrict topic and separate thread.
7. Select a group category for the topic. Click Add.
8. Click Save and Close.

To create a Group Topic in the Classic Discussion Editing Experience:

1. Navigate to Discussions, click the New button. Select Topic
2. Select a Forum or Create a New Forum.
3. Select Group or Section Topic type. A drop-down menu will appear.
4. Select the Group from the drop down.
5. Enter a title and description for the topic.
6. Click Save and Close.

Now your discussion is set up for small groups breakout discussions:

• Teacher and Teacher's Assistant roles can see all groups threads and replies
• Students will only see threads and replies from members in their own group