The Community Hub: Channels & Direct Messages

Overview #

Learning is social. VarsityScape removes the need for external tools like Slack or WhatsApp by embedding a Community Hub directly into every course. This keeps discussions focused and secure.

1. Course Channels #

Every Cohort comes with dedicated discussion spaces. To manage them:

1. Open your Course and click the Community tab.
2. Default Channels: You will see standard channels (e.g., #General or #Announcements).
3. Creating New Channels: Click + New Channel to create topic-specific spaces (e.g., #Week-1-Help or #Intros).
4. Posting: Instructors can pin posts to the top of a channel to ensure visibility for important updates.

2. Direct Messaging (DMs) #

You can message students privately to offer support or feedback:

1. Go to the Students tab.
2. Click on a student’s name to open their Learner Profile.
3. Click the Message button.
4. This opens a private chat between you and the student. They will receive a notification in their dashboard and via email.

Pro Tip: Encouraging students to upload a Profile Photo makes the community feel much more alive and human.

Troubleshooting & FAQ #

• Can I disable the Community for self-paced courses?
  Yes. In the Course Settings, you can toggle “Enable Community” off if you want a purely content-delivery experience.
  
• Can students create their own channels?
  No. Only Admins and Instructors can create channels to keep the workspace organized. Students can only reply and post within existing channels.

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Related: How to Share Invite Links & Add Members