Using groups allows you to support classes, clubs, extracurricular activities, study groups, and other activities. Moreover, different groups can be used to support different types of learning.

The Organic Groups module provides you with a range of options for configuring groups. The best options for your site will likely vary widely based on teacher and student preference. For example, some teachers might want to use private groups, whereas others will want more public interactions. With this in mind, the optimal group settings—finding the balance between group privacy, user privacy, free interactions, connections between groups, and so on—will evolve over time as people work in the site and begin to understand how to use the different features. So, while you may get it right the first time, don’t count on it. Fine-tuning group configurations requires talking with and listening to people using your site.

Finally, effective group use also requires some training for group managers to...