Step 1: Go to the ‘Groups’ page via the main navigation bar.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Create Group’ tab.
Step 3: You will be required to fill in the group details. Provide the group name and a description and click on ‘create group and continue’.
Step 4: You will be required to fill in the relevant details for each of the following areas (see screenshot above):
- Group Hierarchy
- Settings
- Resources
- Widgets
- Forum
- Avatar
- Group Chat
- Send Invites
Follow the instructions given in each step, clicking on ‘Next Step’ as you go.
Step 5: Group Hierarchy – Choose from the list of parent groups provided, and indicate who is allowed to create member groups.
There are 15 parent groups that have been created for the site. These cannot be changed. Please locate your group within the most relevant parent group or a sub group.
Note: Only site administrators can make changes in the group hierarchy, so please contact the Network Host if you need amendments to be made once a group has been set up.
Step 6: Settings – Select the type of group you want to create, i.e. Public, Private, Hidden, under ‘Privacy Options’, as the type of group is determined by the group’s permissions.
It is important to be very sure about the type of group, as the permissions of all the activities and contents of the group will be determined by the group permissions. The type of group (i.e. group permissions) can be changed later if you wish to (please see Help Section 8 on Editing Permissions).
Select the default mode for how you would like group members to be informed of updates to the group and its contents. They can change this setting to suit their individual preferences.
Step 7: Select your preferences for Resource Settings. This is especially important if you have a hidden or private group, and you do not wish to allow members to share resources across to other groups.
Step 8: As a group host, you can decide on the widgets you would like to have down the right hand column of your group. The options are ‘Text Widget’, ‘RSS Feeds’ and ‘Relevant Resources’. Please select all or any of the widgets you feel are appropriate from the list provided and provide the relevant information.
Step 9: You can decide to have a forum in the group by selecting the check box provided.
Step 10: Avatar – Upload a group image or avatar to give your group a unique identity for the group and enable other members to identify your group easily.
Step 11: Check the box if you would like the group to have the ‘group chat’ option.
Step 12: Any member of a group (except a hidden group) can share the group via facebook and twitter by clicking on the ‘share’ tab located next to the group image.
Please note: If the group you want to share is private, people need to apply for membership.
