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Category: Commons Groups

  • Privacy, Student Names and Aliases

    We encourage faculty to explore teaching on the open web using the Commons, but it is important to vigilantly respect student privacy. Both groups and sites have privacy settings that can be used to control visibility. Many class groups are … Continue reading →

  • Group Discussion Forum

    Perhaps the most used group tool is the Discussion Forum. In simple terms, someone starts a Forum Topic and others Reply to it. To start a new discussion click on “Post New Topic.”  To reply to a topic, click on … Continue reading →

  • Reply to Forum Posts Using “Quote”

    The Commons displays Forum Posts in chronological order, with the most recent post at the bottom. Most often when you reply to a post, it is right above yours or perhaps only one or two before that. There are times, … Continue reading →

  • Social Media Icons

    If you’re an admin, you can add social media icons to your group. Go to Manage>>Details. Options are X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Linked-in and Academia.edu.        

  • Group Privacy Settings

    Privacy Settings There are three types of groups on the Commons, and each has differing levels of privacy. As the needs of a group change and evolve, they may want to adjust their group settings from private to public, or … Continue reading →

  • Reply by Email

      You don’t need to “log on” to the Commons to respond to group email notifications.  Participate in group discussions by simply clicking Reply in your email client.  Our plugin Reply By Email takes care of the rest! Respond to … Continue reading →

  • Events Tab

    The Events tab allows all members of a group to add and view Events that are associated with the group. You can view events in card mode or list mode. Members can also subscribe to the group calendar to receive … Continue reading →

  • Digital Research Tools

    Digital Research Tools (DiRT) is a robust directory containing an ever-growing list of research tools, searchable by category or keyword. Resources range “from content management systems to music OCR, statistical analysis packages to mind-mapping software.” DiRT makes it easier to … Continue reading →

  • You Just Joined a Group on the Commons – Now What?

    There are hundreds of groups on the Commons, and you’ll probably want to join a bunch. For public groups, when you click the join button, membership is immediate. For private groups, you’ll need to ask to join, and the admins … Continue reading →

  • Group Site Email Notifications

    The Commons’ powerful email notification system lets members of a group know when other members post content. Used in conjunction with a group blog, it lets you set up a nice place to share content and get feedback. Since the … Continue reading →