Having some students in-class and others virtual creates significant collaboration limitations and constraints. For example, it is not possible for virtual students to see and hear in-class students. In addition, the use of Zoom with in-class students creates a chaotic environment.
Recommendations
- Do not use breakout groups for HyFlex/in-person students (unless they can log into Zoom and participate via the web).
- Use breakout rooms in virtual space (Zoom).
- Use Canvas Group feature to create student teams.
- Create multiple group sets if you need to sort the same students into different teams.
- Use CDE training on how to create Groups in Canvas.
- Pre-populate the breakout room assignments in Zoom before the class session starts (but note this has been buggy); students must sign into WUSTL Zoom for class.
- Have specific deliverables for the students to work on in their breakout rooms.
For Virtual Group Learning
- Follow CDE guidance on tech platforms.
- Use Canvas as much as possible; supplement with other platforms (like Google, box—link through Canvas Collaborations), but check to make sure that students in foreign countries have access.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Students will be able to work in groups successfully without distracting other groups.
Cons
- In the event a student is prohibited from attending in-class sessions, they will need to move to a virtual group.
- Students will be restricted to only work with teams in their session cohort.
- For example, in a M/W format, students who are virtual on M/W will need to work together and vice versa.