Access and use Groups

Owned by Former user (Deleted)
Last updated: Dec 16, 2020 by Karen Park

Table of Contents

Overview

Many instructors choose to use Canvas groups for a more organized and interactive learning experience. In this page, we will describe the various options available for students when assigned to groups such as, sharing files, hold video meetings, and working on group assignments together. 

Sharing Files

  1. Go to the "Groups" tab located on the user navigation options.
  2. Click on the desired group link.
  3. Select "Files" from the group navigation menu.
  4. Select a folder or create a folder to place the new file into. To add a folder, click on the "+Folder" button on the right corner of the screen.
  5. Click the "Upload" button located on the right corner of the screen, next to "+folder" button.

File Access

Note: All files are automatically published for the whole group to view the instant they are downloaded.

Status of File

If you are unsure about the file being published or not, click on the file to view it. Click on the "info" button located at the top of the "viewing" screen. This should be located next to the "x" or exit button. Here more information on the file will appear to the right.

File Options

If you are wanting to rename, move, delete, or download the file, click on the setting icon located at the end of the file's row. This icon appears when you hover your mouse over that empty space.

Group Assignments

Any student within the group is able to submit to any file to the assignment. When submitted, the instructor will receive the content and see that it is applied to all the members within that group. 

Discussions

Using the discussion option is a great way to talk about specific subjects or details about group projects and assignments.

To access discussions:

  1. Go to the "Groups" tab in the global navigation sidebar.
  2. Click on the desired group link.
  3. Select "Discussions" from the group navigation menu.
  4. Click on "+Discussion" button on the top right corner of the screen.

Announcements

Using the announcements options is a great way to contact and set up in-person meet-up dates with the members in your group to finished group assignments or projects.

To access announcements:

  1. Go to the "Groups" tab in the global navigation sidebar.
  2. Click on the desired group link.
  3. Select "Announcements" from the group navigation menu.
  4. Click on the "+Announcements" button in the middle of the page if you have never created an announcement. 

Responding to an Announcement

Click on the announcement sent → Reply

Collaborations

The collaborations section is a great place to edit and share documents for group assignments.

To access the collaborations and allow Google Docs to sync together with Canvas:

  1. Go to the "Groups" tab located on the user navigation options.
  2. Click on the desired group link.
  3. Select "Collaborations" from the group navigation menu.
  4. Click on the "Authorize Google Docs Access" button towards the bottom of the screen if you have never access Google Docs via Canvas. 

Additional Resources