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Batch Allocate Groups Tool

The Batch Allocate Groups tool allows the allocation of many users to groups in a single action by uploading a CSV file containing the information needed for processing. CSV stands for “Comma Separated Values”, a widely-used format for storing information in plain text files. CSV files can be created from many sources including Excel spreadsheets.

Creating a CSV file

You will need to create a CSV file containing the student IDs or the staff usernames. To do this, follow these simple instructions:

  1. Open MS Excel.
  2. Type or paste the student Ids or staff usernames in the first column.
  3. Type the name of the group to be allocated to in the second column.
  4. Click Save As from the File menu.
  5. Click CSV(comma delimited) (*.csv) from the Save as type: drop down list.

CSV file format:

  • Each line in the file should define a separate allocation of a user to a group.
  • First field in each line should contain the username of the course member.
  • Second field in each line should contain the group name.
  • Fields should be separated by a comma.
  • Where group names contain commas, the text of the group name should be surrounded by inverted commas.
  • Your filename should end with the letters ‘.csv’.

Creating a Group

Before you can allocate the users to the groups you will need to create the group(s). To do this, follow these simple instructions:

  1. Click the Control Panel.
  2. Click Advanced Group Management under Course Tools.
  3. Click the Add Group button.
  4. Give the Group a Name.
  5. Fill out the description and select the tools you would like available to the group (these are all optional).
  6. Click Submit and OK.

Using the Batch Allocate Groups Tool

After you have created the CSV file and the group you will now be able to allocate the users to the groups. To do this, follow these simple instructions:

  1. Click the Control Panel.
  2. Click Batch Allocate Groups under Course Tools.
  3. Click the Allocate by CSV File Upload link.
  4. Choose the CSV File to Upload by selecting the Browse button.
  5. Click Submit.
  6. You will see a screen with the CSV File Upload Results.

Points to note:

  • Running the tool will generate a report of which allocations succeeded and which (if any) failed with a reason.
  • This tool never defines new groups. Groups to which users are to be allocated must be created manually beforehand.
  • This tool will only ever add users to groups. Removal of users from groups must be done manually.
  • Users can be allocated to more than one group using the same CSV file.