Set Up WebCT Discussion Groups

In WebCT discussion groups, sometimes it is helpful to divide class members into groups so not all students respond within the same discussion area. This can:

1. Limit the number of discussion postings to a particular topic.
2. Allow student groups to focus on different topics.

To set up discussion groups:

1. Go to the Discussion Group / Bulletin Board tool in your WebCT course.
2. Click the MANAGE TOPICS link at the top (Under SEARCH.).
3. Add a new topic:
   1. Click the radio button next to ADD NEW TOPIC.
   2. Type a name for the topic on the same line in the blank. If this is for a particular group, you may want to give the topic the same name as the group ("Group 1")
   3. Click the GO button below the other menu choices.
4. Make the topic private:
   1. At the bottom of the screen by the topic listings, click the box PRIVATE next to your new topic
   2. Click UPDATE
5. Assign students to that topic
   1. Click the radio button next to MANAGE MEMBERS
   2. From the popup menu select the topic you want to assign students to.
   3. Click the GO button.
   4. Click SELECT MEMBERS
   5. Click the checkbox next to those WebCT users who you want to give access to this topic.
   6. Click UPDATE

Now only students "assigned" to that topic will be able to view postings and post their own messages within that topic.

Updated 10-25-2002

Return to How-To Guides