Managing Large Multi-Section Courses
There are many different types of large courses. Some are comprised of multiple unique number sections with a single instructor and several TAs. Others require coordination between multiple instructors and multiple TAs. Below we outline different avenues for managing large courses: merging sections, using a Master or Virtual Course, and leveraging "Blueprint" courses. We will highlight each option, the advantages and disadvantages, and when to choose one over the other. In addition, we will also list ways to communicate with students in each of these scenarios.
Whichever option you choose, this decision should be done while the courses are unpublished. Assignment submissions are retained within the course, not with the section enrollment. If a published course is merged or unmerged, students could lose any associated assignment submissions and grades.
If you have any questions about which option to choose, please let us know! Email: Canvas@utlists.utexas.edu or Schedule a One-on-One Consultation.
Merging Sections - Combining Sections - Cross-listing Sections are all the same thing. ;)
- Combine sections into “one pot.” Canvas keeps unique section information tied to each student.
- Ability to assign TAs to particular section(s)
- Ability to isolate students to only see/communicate with students in their section
- Differentiated Assignments Links to an external site., Discussions Links to an external site.and Quizzes Links to an external site. allow you to give the same or different Due Dates to each section.
- Communication: post Announcements Links to an external site. and/or send Inbox messages Links to an external site.to a particular section or all sections
- Ability to filter the gradebook Links to an external site.by section; view sections in SpeedGrader; Post Grades Links to an external site. for individual sections or all sections
- All sections will have access to the same CONTENT in Files, Modules and Pages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
Single course to manage Assign Due Dates for all sections or select sections Communicate with all sections or select sections Assign TAs to particular section(s) |
Unable to have section-specific FILES Ideally, sections should be merged before instructors begin work. Once sections are merged, users will lose access to all content in the secondary sections Sections must be merged before students start to submit work or risk losing student submissions and/or grades |
Merging Sections works best for courses that are cross-listed across disciplines by the Registrar (e.g., GOV, LAS, P A) or for courses with co-instructors whose sections meet at the same time and place. Note: You can merge sections with different instructors by adding the "primary" instructor in each section as a Teacher.
Tutorial - Cross-listing Sections [Combining Courses in Canvas]